Finding out your child is ill is a
terrible thing to have to deal with. The impact of the diagnosis can
go beyond the child and can be one of the most physically and
emotionally exhausting challenges a parent can face. But there are
ways to help handle these situation.
Look After yourself
It can all be too much sometimes.
That's why it's important to keep your own health. So try to keep
your sleeping habits the same. If you're not sleeping, talk to your
doctor. And with all the appointments and visits, eating habits can
be lost. This can lead to weight loss, weight gain or worse yet your
own illness. So stick to eating healthily with lots of fresh fruits
and vegetables. This will not just keep your own health but will help
keep you energised for the busy days and weeks ahead.
Stress
Another aspect of a sick child can be
stress and it's important to recognise and treat this. So consider
therapy or talking to someone outside of the family. Then there's
that all important exercise. A known stress-buster you don't have to
pay a pricey gym membership or even leave the house for this. There
are plenty of keep fit options available Online or on TV channels.
And just a quick burst each day will help keep you healthy and stress
levels down.
Dress up
With a constant stream of hospital
visits, errands to run and things to get done, it can get on top of
you. Taking the time to brush your hair or apply makeup can seem
pointless when there are other more important things to do. Except
that these things are still important. Consider it a bit like
therapy. If you normally wear smart clothes and a full face of makeup
then try to stick to this. It will help keep things feeling and
looking normal. And that can help create a sense of positivity.
Seek Support
For parents of seriously ill children,
the load and pressure can seem unbearable at times. It's important to
realise that this is entirely natural and that you're not Superwoman
or Superman. Look to friends and family for help, and it's not
offered, then ask. When it comes to ill health, sometimes people
don't know how to respond to news of an illness so guide them.
Start by making a schedule, input any
hospital visits and doctor's appointments. Involve the whole family.
Then plan in all the other activities, perhaps those extracurricular
activities done by your other children. Then talk to family,
neighbours and friends and co-ordinate what needs done when.
Find out if there is a support group
via your hospital or doctor. These can offer a sense of therapy and
are life-line to families in these types of situations with
information and support available. Talk to the staff at the hospital
and find out about the illness. Knowledge can be power in these
situations and if you know what is being discussed or what you're
dealing with it can be a whole lot less scary. And always take up any
offer of help.
Siblings
Look for help with other children
through the school and family with, for instance, help with lifts or
car pools. And try to keep siblings routine as it was before their
brother or sister's diagnosis as having some normality can help.
Sibling illness
can result in some behavioural issues. This is entirely normal. But
the potential for arguments can lead to more stress. To try to limit
this, talk to your children and set aside some special time for other
children so they don't feel forgotten about or less important. And
consider setting aside time for the whole family to enjoy such as day
visits to the beach or cinema. You may want to also consider talking
to your children's school and teachers. If they're aware of the
situation, it's another potential source of support, particularly in
your children's education.
Guest post provided by www.foresthc.com .
No comments:
Post a Comment