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Caring Child was founded to provide help and support for families with severely challenged children. Through our resources and support we can help alleviate some of the stress and burden of raising a child with Cerebral Palsy. Many parents may feel anxiety, anger, guilt or hopelessness when they learn of their child’s disability, but with patience and understanding you can help your child achieve, and feel fulfilled as a parent.
If you are just learning of your child’s diagnosis or have concerns that he or she may have cerebral palsy this site can provide background Cerebral Palsy information and is a useful starting point for your education. Please feel free to call one of our counselors, or use our submission form, with questions or concerns.
Before you can help yourself or your child, you need to develop appropriate expectations and understanding. Then you can learn practical ways to cope with your child’s problems and put these methods into practice. By educating yourself on your child’s condition you can help your child to learn and achieve, and create a happy life for themselves.
When a child is diagnosed with a disability, it forces the whole family to face a range of new challenges. Here are a few tips for caring for yourself and your child:
- Encourage your child's independence. Allow your child to complete tasks for himself when possible. Obviously you can do it faster and easier, but your child ability to accomplish even a simple task gives him a sense of independence and achievement.
- Advocate your child’s welfare. Don’t hold back if have questions or concerns about your child’s medical or educational care. You are central player in your child’s development and health. Speak out on your child's behalf whether its to a physician, therapist or teacher.
- Find support. A circle of support can make a big difference in helping you cope with cerebral palsy and its effects.
A Child with cerebral palsy may have very significant problems, but most have the potential to learn, achieve, succeed, and create a happy life for themselves. However, without effort they will not reach their potential. The better educated you are the better you will be able to provide support and guidance for child and family. Obviously, having a child with cerebral palsy has many challenges which can create stress on the parents as well as the siblings. It is important to recognize the impact on your entire family and seek the appropriate support.
Support Groups
One of the most helpful tools in dealing with the emotional stress are support groups. Support groups consist of people in the same situation as you. By meeting and communicating with other parents dealing with the same issues, you can gain confidence that the challenges you face will not be overwhelming. In addition to practical advise, you’ll often get inspiration and reassurance. Support groups help you see that your situation is not unique and hopeless. They also can be a source of guidance in dealing with the educational, therapeudic and medical providers that will coordinate your child’s care. In fact, participating in a cerebral palsy support group is recommended by most mental health professionals. |
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