Supporting a Child with Disabilities

Raising a child with a disability can be very challenging and have a significant impact on both of your lives. Whether your child has a developmental issue, a physical disability, or a sensory impairment it can potentially affect you in different ways. 

While every parent has their fears about their child and how to best provide for them, these fears are often magnified for parents with children with disabilities. These fears can result in different emotional challenges that vary from parent to parent. 

Potential Emotional Impact

• Fear and worry about:
  • Your child’s pain and suffering
  • Your child’s future
  • The question of whether you are doing enough or doing the right things to help
  • Being able to manage and navigate your child’s medical care
  • Advocating for your child whether it be in the classroom or at social events
  • Financial stability – caring for a child with a disability can be costly due to medical expenses, therapy, cost of equipment, etc.

• Guilt over:
  • The loss of attention toward your other children or your partner
  • Your jealousy and resentment of those with “normal” children
  • Your ability to protect your child
• Feelings of isolation: 
  • Feeling like an outsider around other parents
  • Encountering criticism and judgement of your parenting style from others who do not understand the child’s disability
  • Missing out on social events (family or friends) because the child’s disability prevents them from participating successfully

• Grief over:
  • The loss of hopes and dreams you had for your child and family
  • Not having the parenting experience you imagined for yourself
  • Reminders of what your child is missing out on 

How Can We Help?

1) Counselling

Parenting a child with disabilities can be both rewarding and challenging, filled with different joys and complexities. The roller coaster of emotions that comes with raising a child with disabilities can be extremely hard to deal with as parents and counselling may be a suitable option to help you navigate these challenges. Counselling offers a safe space for parents to explore their feelings, concerns, and experiences in a supportive environment. Whether it be navigating through a recent diagnosis, coping with daily stressors, or seeking guidance on how to best move forward, our counsellors are here to support you on your journey. 

2) Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can provide support to parents of children with disabilities by offering physical and emotional relief in the midst of the unique challenges they face. It can help to alleviate the physical strain and tension that some parents may have resulting from the demands of caregiving, which can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. It can also offer parents a form of emotional support, offering a safe space to unwind, process feelings, and find a place of calm amidst the complexities of their situations. Incorporating massage therapy into a self-care routine can help parents to recharge their batteries, enhance their resilience, and better navigate the ups and downs of parenting a child with disabilities. 

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you on your journey!