Coping with Chronic Illness: Tips from Parents and Families
Coping with the stresses and demands of raising a child with special health care needs can be extremely difficult.
Tips for Coping With Chronic Illness
Here are some helpful tips gathered from experienced parents and Family Advisory Council members at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center:
- Focus on the joys and accomplishments of today -- a smile, interest in a favorite toy, contagious laughter -- not on what tomorrow may or may not bring.
- Join a support group, or form a relationship with a family facing a similar diagnosis / situation.
- Nurture your sense of humor -- it's true that laughter is sometimes the best medicine.
- Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support.
- Research and ask questions to learn all you can about your child's condition / diagnosis and potential therapies.
- Your feelings are valid, so be easy on yourself to not feel guilty when you've had a bad day. The emotional rollercoaster can take you for a ride on any given day. Find a way to release your anger, sadness, jealousy and elation -- all guilt-free!
- Find friends who are good listeners and be prepared to leave some behind who can't relate or who just "don't get it."
- Arm yourself in advocacy. Learn about your child's special financial and educational needs. Begin early to explore and prepare for what is / is not available.
- Ask for help! Supermoms get overwhelmed and need help too!
- Care for your other children too. Schedule and spend special time with siblings as best you can.
Additional Resources and Support for Parents and Families
For additional assistance coping with your child's chronic illness, Cincinnati Children's offers various resources and support services.
Center for Infants and Children With Special Needs
The Cincinnati Children's Center for Infants and Children With Special Needs provides a holistic approach to the care of children and young adults with significant chronic illness.provides a holistic approach to the care of children and young adults with significant chronic illness.
Division of Child Psychiatry
The Division of Child Psychiatry offers specialists and services to assist families and patients.
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics provides diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, treatment, training and education for infants, children, and adolescents with developmental disorders.
Division of Psychology
The Division of Psychology offers specialists and services to assist families.
Pediatric Palliative and Comfort Care Team / PACT
The Pediatric Palliative and Comfort Care Team / PACT offers comprehensive, family-centered care for children with complex, life-threatening or chronic conditions.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care chaplains at Cincinnati Children's are available 24 hours daily, to provide spiritual support and comfort to patients and families.
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