Remain involved. When you have arthritis, you may not be able to handle a one-on-one game of basketball, but spending leisure time with your children is an important way to bond. As an arthritis parent, adapt activities to your needs: Play a board game, take a walk or go to the movies with your child.
Be honest but reassuring about your illness. “Hiding it creates a sense of shame,” says Mark Lumley, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor of health psychology at Wayne State University, Detroit. “What’s more important is to show how you cope with it by reaching out for support and medicating wisely. Kids learn about dealing with illness in a positive way.”
Stay in charge. Good parenting has nothing to do with physical health. “You can still be a heck of a good parent even if you’re struggling with pain,” Lumley says. “Good parents communicate, counsel, teach and discipline their children.”
Prioritize your life. Focus on what really matters to you – and delegate or lose the rest. “Save your energy for what you can do,” says Ruth Hall, 51, who has rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. “If I had been told to pace myself in the very beginning, life would have been better for all.”
Stay positive. When you have arthritis, attitude is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy relationship with your children. “If you become defeated by arthritis, your children will feel defeated as well,” says Annmarie Cano, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Wayne State University.
Being a Parent with Arthritis
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Sonya
26 Aug 2010, 07:22
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| I am 37 years old and have been diagnosed with RA, fibro, degen. disc disease, torn ligament in my ankle, bipolar, depression, anxiety, augordiaphobia and many other issues, my 16 year old son is my best supporter. Our best time together comes from him going to my appointments with me. This next week he gets his learners permit so he can drive me to my appointments. He is home schooled and We spend a lot of time one on one doing his school work. It has surprised me how well he has done with finding out everything that is wrong. He has been there for my good days and my bad days. In return he has opened up more about the disappointment he has with his biological father and the content e has for his stepfather. |
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Sapna Maheshram
07 Jul 2010, 09:11
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| Yes, I do feel if one is true with the children and keeping the positive attitude really helps. I am suffering from RA for the past 7 yrs. Recently my son (10yrs old) had gall stone.He underwent an endoscopic procedure for the removal of gall stone.He went through the pain and surgery with so much of maturity.I am so proud of him. So I feel that to some extent I was able to make him a strong person. |
