Facing The Challenge: Cerebral Palsy And Family Support

Everyday life can pose many challenges to a child with cerebral palsy. There are different obstacles that children with cerebral palsy face. But as for parents, their biggest fear maybe how they will cope with this health problem or be able to provide for their child.

There are recent surveys and studies that show that families with children that have cerebral palsy have experienced more closeness in their relationship. Not only do parents improve their understanding and ability to manage the disability, but they were also able to strengthen their patience enabling them to deal with their own self-confidence and anger management problems.

But it is not perfect world. Most parents of children with cerebral palsy state that they encounter time management issues. And these time problems are not just in dealing with their cerebral palsy child, but make sure their other children get the attention and love they also deserve.

Aside from that, parents have to deal with high stress levels and fatigue, leading to challenges with their own physical health and emotional health as well.

To relieve the family of these kinds of negative forces, experts have come up with several suggestions and methods. Experts agree parents need to understand that they are not alone and they do not have to deal with this health challenge alone. There are about 800,000 Americans, both adults and children, diagnosed with cerebral palsy. To aid individuals with this kind of problem and their families, there are different organizations and agencies that can refer families to doctors and organizations that are able to help them.

There are also community support services that can help the children and their family. A community support service team may include a case manager, service provider, community support worker and of course, the child’s teacher and doctor.

Some parents, who direly need a break, should take advantage of community support services to take care of their children. These kinds of services are provided by state and federal funds. The good news is that typically, the families do not have to subsidize these services.

Respite care is one example of the kinds of service available. If a child needs to be monitored at night, a health attendant can come to home, to care for the child so that parents can sleep.

In addition to community support services, there are other support systems to help you care for your child. They are those with deep levels of experience and are trained to help you and the entire family. For example, check out United Cerebral Palsy Association (search for your local chapter) and the March of Dimes.

Gaining support is not just be about talking to organizations and institutions. The closest support for most families of a child with cerebral palsy come from your friends and relatives.

Experts recommend that parents encourage their children to be independent, even if it is in small steps. Small beginnings can mean big miracles for your child in the long run. This is often a great challenge for parents, who must balance their concerns over their child’s health survival with the child’s need to learn social survival skills. It is hard to remember that every bird in the nest must learn to fly on their own (as far as is possbile), no matter what their wings are like…

Another thing that parents need to be aware of is being an advocate for your kid. Of course, we know, how much your child means to you. But do not be afraid to express your opinions and questions to your child’s health care provider. You can also participate similarly with some activities of your schools, communities and other family support programs.

Given proper management, children with cerebral palsy can deal with many different challenges that we all face.

Despite the different health treatment options that your child with cerebral palsy may need, the most important thing is still about giving love and direction in life. Parents just need to plan, be patient and be dedicated in implementing programs that they have planned with different organizations and health care professionals.

In the end, the child can still lead a meaningful and happy life and amaze us…

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Cerebral Palsy- Nathan’s Story -CP Family Network

Meet Nathan at CPFamilyNetwork.org. He is a child with Cerebral Palsy due to birth injury. Visit CPFamilyNetwork.org for more information on Nathan as well as resources for parents of children with CP.

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