Having a child with a disease can be heartbreaking and extremely hard on the parents, especially if it is a birth injury. As a parent, you feel your child’s pain, and it can be distressing to watch your child suffer.
A condition like cerebral palsy can vary from individual to individual, so your child may not experience the same effects as others. While the doctors and therapists handle a lot of your child’s treatment, you can also play your part and make life easier for your child in several ways. Here are a few things you can do.
1. Stay knowledgeable about their condition
Cerebral palsy is a birth injury that causes children to have cognitive, sensory, and epileptic difficulties associated with the central nervous system. Children with these conditions may experience feeding problems, irritability, or sleep disturbances. There is no shortage of resources for people with cerebral palsy and those who care for them. There are support groups on the internet, research, and many books for your guide to cerebral palsy. The more resources you use, the better your understanding of managing the condition is.
2. Take charge of their health
Healthcare providers that can treat your child include pediatricians, therapists, and specialists. Doctors are likely to refer their patients to other physicians for treatment and maintain records of the treatments they have received previously. Therefore, you must keep yourself updated regarding your kid’s health.
Parents are encouraged to play an active role in their child’s care. As a parent, your participation will help you make the right decisions, choose treatments and therapies, learn which ones work, and see when treatments get results or setbacks. In addition, it’s more likely that you’ll be satisfied with a doctor’s care when you feel like they consider you part of the team.
3. Encourage an active lifestyle
Your child will want to enjoy the same activities as their peers despite their differences. Getting them involved in activities as soon as possible cannot be overstated; this can positively affect how they cope with cerebral palsy. Generally, the younger the patient is, the less severe cerebral palsy is. Since the condition affects their movement, it is best to start exercising and activities early.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Often, children with CP struggle with motor skills and have digestive issues that make feeding them challenging. Your child’s overall health can be improved by incorporating a healthy diet into their routine. Since CP children suffer from weak bones, they need a healthy diet even more than others. Their diet needs to include plenty of nutrients to help build and maintain their bones and muscles. Even though the doctor will prescribe medication for this purpose, foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, can aid in bone strengthening too.
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5. Maintain a positive mindset
Parents need to remember that there may be things your child with cerebral palsy can’t do that their siblings or classmates can, but they shouldn’t be anxious or be too concerned about their limitations. As a parent, all you can do is help them discover how much they’re capable of doing independently or with assistance.
Your child will also have a positive attitude if you are optimistic yourself. Take your child to a mental health professional if they become victims of setbacks and limitations. Chances of getting depression are common in people with CP. However, they may feel better if they maintain a positive attitude, allowing them to focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t.
6. Taking care of yourself is just as important
The best care for your child can only be provided if you take care of yourself first. You must get enough sleep and engage in activities that help relax your mind, keep you stress-free, and avoid uncomfortable situations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you; it is okay too!
Parents who bury their frustration and anger can become exhausted because they keep their emotions bottled up. As a caregiver/parent, you should have someone to speak to, whether they are friends, members of the family, or professionals. You will feel less anxious and more at ease about your child’s care when you talk it out and express your feelings. As your child needs you more than ever, your health is crucial as theirs.
7. Getting assistance with childcare
Alternatively, you may wish to hire a caregiver to provide daily assistance, such as feeding, socializing, and supporting social activities. Then, when you need them, caregivers can provide you with the services you need.
If finance is an issue, you may look up government programs that provide health insurance and additional income. Other than this, a couple of financial support institutions can be of help when managing or facing difficulties due to a lack of finances.
Conclusion
Cerebral palsy is a condition that challenges the child and the whole family. Of course, every parent wants to give their child the best life there is to provide, but sometimes they are faced with specific challenges. It is up to them to take charge of the situation and do all they can to play an active part in treating their kids.
Cerebral palsy comes with inevitable difficulties, but it can be identified and treated with the right help. Seeking professional help, legal, financial aid, therapy, and paying attention to detail can help parents achieve their goals and give their kids what they deserve – a happy everyday life!
