Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding roles, but it can also be challenging, especially when living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or supporting a spouse who does. Managing family life while navigating the effects of Parkinson’s requires extra care, but it’s possible to create an environment where children not only feel secure but also thrive. Here are seven tips that can help your children flourish even as you manage the challenges of PD.
1. Build Trust
Children are perceptive and can sense when things change. Keeping them in the dark about a Parkinson’s diagnosis may lead them to fear the worst. Being open with your children and discussing your diagnosis honestly builds trust. Use age-appropriate language to explain what Parkinson’s is and how it might affect your daily life. By creating a safe space for open communication, you allow your children to express their feelings and ask questions, helping to alleviate their concerns.
For more insights, read our fact sheet: Parkinson’s and Your Children/Teenagers.
2. Teach Resilience
Living with Parkinson’s presents both difficulties and opportunities to build resilience as a family. Explain to your children how Parkinson’s may impact day-to-day life, but focus on the steps you’re taking to stay positive and active. Encourage them to take on small responsibilities around the home to instill a sense of control and contribution. Simple actions like helping with daily tasks or volunteering together as a family can give children a sense of pride and teach them valuable life skills such as empathy and adaptability.
3. Create Stability
Children thrive on routine and consistency. Parkinson’s may introduce unpredictability into your life, but it’s important to maintain a stable environment for your children. Keep your parenting style, values, and boundaries consistent, and try to stick to regular routines. While flexibility may be necessary on certain days, a predictable schedule will help your children feel secure and supported. This stability becomes a foundation for their emotional well-being and success.
4. Maintain the Magic
Despite the challenges Parkinson’s may bring, it’s important to preserve the joy and wonder of childhood. Encourage your children to explore their interests, try new hobbies, and experience the world in ways that make them happy. Continue to make time for family activities and provide support for their dreams and passions. Seeing the world through their eyes offers a unique source of happiness that can help keep family life joyful, even on tough days.
5. Enlist Emotional Support
Processing the emotions that come with a parent’s Parkinson’s diagnosis can be difficult for children. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or even anger are common. As a parent, it’s crucial to be mindful of changes in your child’s emotional state. If they seem to struggle for an extended period, consider connecting them with a counselor or trusted teacher who can help them work through their feelings. Open conversations with your child’s school can provide additional emotional support throughout the day.
6. Practice Self-Care
To be the best parent you can be, it’s essential to take care of your own health and well-being. Prioritize your physical and emotional needs by attending medical appointments, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet. Children learn from their parents' example, so showing them how to handle stress and manage emotions healthily will give them lifelong tools for coping. Lean on friends, family, or support groups to help lighten the load, allowing you to better care for yourself and your family.
Explore local support groups through your Parkinson’s Foundation chapter to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges.
7. Keep Talking
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, and the challenges of today may evolve over time. Keep the conversation going by regularly checking in with your children about how they’re feeling and what concerns they may have. Consider involving them in your health journey by taking them to a neurology appointment, where they can meet your doctor and ask questions. Maintaining open dialogue will help your family grow stronger and more connected as you face future challenges together.
Equipment That May HelpManaging Parkinson’s often means relying on various types of supportive equipment. Depending on your or your spouse’s needs, consider having these items on hand to ensure daily comfort and ease:
3-Function Hospital Bed: Allows easy adjustments for comfort and care needs.
Wheelchair: Ensures mobility and independence when symptoms affect movement.
Air Mattress: Helps prevent bedsores for those who may spend extended time in bed.
Disposable Items (diapers, bed pan, body wipes): Essential for maintaining hygiene and dignity.
Walker: Provides additional stability and support during movement.
These tools can assist with daily living while enabling your family to focus more on what matters most—each other.
By embracing open communication, creating stability, and practicing self-care, you can provide your children with the love, security, and resilience they need to flourish, even in the face of Parkinson’s.
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