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Cope When Your Child is Disabled

Edited by Debbie, Charmed, Eng, Rebecca M.

3 Parts:

Challenges You Face

TIPS

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A couple's son has Down Syndrome. They admit that it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining at times. They said that it can take quite a lot of patience and persistence to teach Angelo the easiest things. Do you have a disabled child? Then you may wonder how you can cope. But you can find help and be successful, as other parents with disabled children have done.

Here are three very common challenges that you might face:

Challenges You Face

1
You find it difficult to accept diagnosis
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Many parents feel devastated when they learn their child is ill. One man said when the doctors told him that his son had cerebral palsy, he could not believe it. He felt as if the world was falling in on him. If you deal with feelings of despair or feel guilty, your reaction is normal. Do you feel responsible for your child being disabled? You have to remember that no one understands how heredity, our environment, and other factors affect a child's health. You may also be inclined to blame your spouse. Try to resist that urge. You will do better if you try your best to get along with your mate and focus on caring for your child.
1. Suggestion. You can learn about your child's condition. You can learn much from medical doctors and reliable publications. You might compare this to learning a new language. At first, it won't be easy, but you can learn it. The couple at the beginning of this article said that when they read over information from their doctor, and checked out an organization that specialized in their son's condition, this helped them to understand the problems that would be ahead, but also the positive aspects of Down's syndrome. They said they saw that their son could lead a life that in many respects would be normal. This had comforted them.
2. Try this: Concentrate on what your child can do. Plan activities as a family. When your child achieves a small "victory" be quick to offer praise, and share in their joy.
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2
You feel totally exhausted and emotionally drained
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You may feel that caring for your child takes up all your energy. You also may feel isolated. You may really long to talk to someone. But you know that most of your friends have healthy children. So you are hesitant to confide in them.
1. Suggestion. Try to ask for help. Accept it when they offer it. When others help you, you won't feel so all alone. If a close friend or family member offers to sit with your child, take advantage of it, and relax. Make sure you take care of yourself too. Get the proper exercise and eat a healthy diet, so you can continue to give your child the care he or she deserves. How can you find time to take care of your health? As parents you can take turns to care for your child. One parent can rest up a bit, while the other one assists the child. You also might want to talk to a trusted friend who is compassionate and a good listener.
2. Try this: Go over what you eat, when you exercise, and how much rest you are getting. Think about how you can find the time from less important tasks, so you can take care of your health.
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3
You five your sick child more attention than you give the rest of the family
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A child's being disabled can affect what the family eats, where the family goes,and the amount of time parents spend with each child. The other children may feel ignored. Also, parents can become so busy caring for their ill child that their marriage may suffer.
1. Suggestion. Assure all your children that you care for them. Plan some things that they enjoy doing. Sit down with your mate and talk things over, pray together.
2. Try this: Commend your other children for anything nice they do to help your ill child. Be consistent expressing your love for them, and your mate.
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