Ways parents can cope with cerebral palsy

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Ways parents can cope with cerebral palsy

Raising a child with cerebral palsy is challenging. The following tips may help you cope with the difficulties that parents often experience.

• Talk with other parents of children who have cerebral palsy. Join or form a support group. Ask your health professional or call your local hospital for recommendations of local organizations. It may help you to share your feelings with others or simply to get information about how others have addressed common issues. It can be comforting to communicate with other parents who also face the challenges and joys of raising a child with cerebral palsy.
• Allow yourself time to grieve. Cerebral palsy often means the loss of the dreams you had for your child. As you work through your grief, you will be better able to care for yourself and your family. For more information, see the topic Grief and Grieving.
• Lower your stress level. Continue to stay involved with your own interests—career, hobbies, personal interests, and friends. Use different techniques (such as exercise, positive self-talk, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises) to help you handle stress. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
• Spend some time away from your child. Taking a break from the daily care of a child with cerebral palsy is very important. Don't be afraid to ask family members or friends for help. Your health professional may also know of local resources that can provide you with needed personal time.
• Believe in yourself. When self-doubts creep into your thoughts, remember to focus on the many good things you do for yourself and your child. If you are having problems dealing with your feelings about your child's condition, talk with a health professional about whether counseling may be helpful. Many counselors have experience working with families of children with cerebral palsy or other lifelong conditions.

Credits

Last updated:	October 14, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC