Realistic, Helpful Ways to Cope When Your Child Has an Incurable Disease.
By Craig Meadows
Image via Unsplash
Nothing is more important to you than protecting your child. You will do it at all costs, and much of your day consists of thinking about how you can keep them safe and healthy. That’s one reason it can be so devastating when you find out that your child has an incurable disease.
Whether the diagnosis is cancer, diabetes, or any other chronic illness, it’s essential to make any necessary changes to your and your child’s lives. And you must figure out how to keep your emotions and stress in check too. Bend Your Knees Foundation has listed a few practical tips for how you and your child can cope and improve your well-being.
Move Homes (If Necessary)
Your child needs a home that supports their quality of life, not impedes it. If your current home exacerbates your child’s symptoms, research potential modifications that you can make. And if you don’t think your living environment can be modified for accessibility, you may need to look elsewhere for a place to meet their needs.
If you decide to purchase a new home, you will need to prepare for a stringent process. But it will be worth all the time and energy in the end because the process goes much more smoothly than if you dive in without preparing. For instance, look at your financial situation and figure out what kind of home you can afford without putting your family in a precarious financial situation.
Get pre-approved for a loan, which will give you an idea of what type of loan you will qualify for and give you an advantage if you find yourself in a bidding war. Then, you will want to find an experienced realtor in your area to help you search for the perfect property.
Try to Relate
Many parents become overprotective when their child is ill, but it is essential not to limit the activities your child can still engage in. However, you don’t want to be overly permissive either. Try to find a balance. If your child wants to hang out with friends, participate in a community event, or do anything else that will not compromise their health but will bring them fulfillment, try to keep them involved. But also make sure they get to bed on time, eat a nutritionally balanced diet, and don’t overdo it.
If you are having trouble talking to your child about their sickness, you are not alone. The key is to not keep facts from them but to be sensitive to only providing age-appropriate information. Try to answer questions your child has honestly, but also know that if they don’t fully understand what you or a doctor are talking about, they might imagine the worst, which will not benefit their well-being.
Manage Your Stress
Lastly, it’s critical that you keep steps to keep the stress levels in your home down. You, your child, your partner, and any other children you have will all need to be proactive in managing stress, but the bulk of the responsibility falls on the parents and caregivers.
Be a self-care role model for your child. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Stick to a regular bedtime routine that helps you get at least seven hours of sleep per night. And try to find an activity or two that helps you decompress and center your thoughts.
If you become overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, household tasks, errands, or anything else, enlist help from your friends and loved ones. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need something; regularly speak with people in your life so that you know how much they are able and willing to help.
It’s never good news when a child is diagnosed with an incurable disease, but you can pick up the pieces and make a beautiful life for you and your child moving forward. Remember to evaluate your home to determine if any changes are necessary, and try to learn how to relate to your child and their illness. Finally, make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your and your child’s stress under control. Above all, remember to love each other and make each day count.
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our organization? Visit BendYourKnees.org today!
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/ebiDpT4pYdw
