Other “hacks” in
this series appear at the end of the post. Today's "hacks" are for parents living with a chronic condition.
Keep in mind the following:
• There is no
such thing as a “perfect” home or family. We’re presented with challenges and
it’s how we respond that matters.
ª It’s the
small things that parents do that most often are remembered and mean the most.
• “Couch
parenting” works
• It is very
important that you put yourself first because you need to be as healthy as you
can be to take care of your children.
Kids Need:
• Having physical needs met-food,
shelter, safety, exercise, health checkups, immunizations
• Unconditional love-Your love doesn’t depend
on their accomplishments. Mistakes
happen and things don’t always work out the way you expect them to. It’s okay. Show
your love with praise, smiles, hugs, kisses, cuddling and “warm fuzzies
• Discipline
• Someone that talks as well as listens
• One on one time
Say Yes to
• Making your number one priority you. If
you think I’m repeating myself, I am to stress a point. If you make other
people the priority, you will end up getting sicker and not being able to help
anyone. It is therefore important that you eat well, exercise, de-stress, keep
medical appointments and take medications as prescribed.
• Support for you and your kid(s). This
can come from many different places: other parents, family, friends, school,
condition specific support group/organization, civic groups, churches etc.
• Support for your children: There are
on-line as well as in person support groups for kids whose parents are dealing
with health issues. Some groups have special weekend retreats, parties, Facebook
pages and even summer camp. Encourage kids to participate in them, so they
understand they are not alone. Family support is also important, but remember
it’s important that kids voice how they are feeling in a safe space.
• Setting up a Lotsa Helping Hands website.
This free website will help you coordinate what you need and when. An older
child might be willing to be a co-administrator.
• Honest answers to your children’s
questions. They need age-appropriate information to help them understand
what you are dealing with. Talk to your medical provider, condition specific
organization, or support group for help with this.
• Modeling appropriate responses to stress.
• Letting your kids be kids. They are not
mini-adults
Things you can do from the couch
• Write special messages that can be
tucked into their backpack, bed, place setting
• Cuddle under a blanket and watch a
favorite TV Show together, read a book, listen to a book on tape, tell a story or
just listen to the rain.
• Let them play outside
• Talk to them about anything
• Have meals with them
• See that they have nutritious food to eat
• Watch live streams of their games when possible.
If that isn’t being done, ask a parent to video the game and e-mail you a copy.
• Take a break with them. Check out Take a Break Pinterest for lots of
ideas.
Condition Specific Advice
• Brain Injury:
Helping Children Cope with Head Injury in the Family
• Cancer:
Parenting with Cancer
Other “Hacks” in this Series
• Cleaning
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