Hearing that your child has cerebral palsy (CP) or some other special educational need, like the parents of one in four children in Ireland, can make you feel like your world has turned upside down. Caring for a child with complex needs is undoubtedly rewarding, but it also comes with a variety of challenges. But just like with most aspects of parenting, there is no help manual you can refer to.
There's no guide to help you when it comes to identifying medical conditions that your child may be predisposed to, or helping to secure the most effective education for them. But if your child has a CP diagnosis, there are things you can do to help your family navigate some of the biggest challenges of parenting a child with complex needs.
Help Your Child Be Active
Your child may not be able to play sports in the same way as other children their age, but you can still help them to move to the best of their ability. Help them to walk (if they can), play, and generally move around as much as possible in a way that will help them to move their muscles in new ways. Being active can strengthen muscles and also reduce painful muscle spasms.
Even if your child has a learning disability, you can enjoy helping them to broaden their world by visiting museums or working together on art projects, listening to music and playing games together. Giving your child the chance to take an active role when you try new things will help them to learn new skills and improve their self-esteem.
Supporting Your Child
One in 400 school-aged children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy in Ireland, and it can affect each person very differently. While their doctors and therapists will likely handle much of their treatment, there are things you can do to support them and make your child's life easier and more comfortable.
For instance, their therapy time doesn't have to end with their appointment. If you learn how to help your child to exercise at home properly, you can help them to stretch their muscles, reduce pain, and help with their balance. Basic massage techniques can also help to relieve any discomfort from muscle spasms that can be caused by their cerebral palsy.
Maintain A Positive Outlook
A child with complex needs may not be able to do all the things that their peers or siblings can do, but they shouldn't focus on their limits. Instead, encourage them to see all the things they can do independently or with help. If you always try to keep a positive and upbeat attitude, then your child will hopefully do the same. But parenting a child with special needs is not always easy. It's okay to have down days and to allow yourself to feel your emotions, whether you feel upset, angry, lonely, frustrated, guilty or even scared, especially during the early days.
Take time out when you need to, and make sure you utilise all offers of help. It can also help to meet other parents dealing with similar issues as you. While they can offer you advice, it also gives you a chance to share experiences, frustrations and success, and can help to lift your spirits on those difficult days.
Parenting is hard work, but when you add complex needs into the mix it can be even more challenging. Understanding their condition, having a positive mindset, and having a good support network around you can all help to smooth out some of the bumps in the road on your journey of special needs parenting.
