Parenting with a Chronic Illness: 4 Tips to Get You Through the Day

Parenting with a Chronic Illness: 4 Tips to Get You Through the Day 

Whenever we think about parenting, most of us envision playing an active role in our children’s lives. We picture chasing them around the house and at the park, hosting their play dates and birthday parties, cheering them on during their soccer games and ballet recitals, family camping, and bike rides. Never in our wildest imaginations do we picture ourselves as the parent who deals with chronic pain or fatigue. Unfortunately, chronic pain is a reality for some parents across the country. If you’re a mom or dad and you’ve been recently diagnosed with any form of chronic pain condition, here are some tips to get you going through this whole parenting thing.  

1. Accept the New Reality  

Although parenting is not a rosy journey, it’s much easier and more fun when you do not have any chronic pain illness. So, if you have just been diagnosed with a chronic disease, for instance, fibromyalgia, it can be hard to come to terms with your new reality. You may even try to fight help from your partner or try to do too much because you believe you are okay.  

Unfortunately, doing this will only worsen your condition, and consequently, cause you more pain. With that said, don’t try to fight reality.  Accept that life cannot go on as normal as it was for you 

2. Educate Your Little People  

Children look up to their parents a lot. They perceive their parents as superheroes who always get things done seamlessly. Therefore, if you were only recently diagnosed with a chronic illness that causes you chronic pain, they may not understand. It may take them some time to understand, and accept you can no longer chase them around the park anymore. 

 It’ll be a while before they understand why you no longer go for as many family camping trips as you did. In other words, it’ll be an adjustment period for the two of you. Therefore, take the time to educate your kid about your condition. Explain to them in a child-friendly language what a chronic illness is, and how it affects you.  

3. Make the Most of Your Good Days but Know Your Limit 

Once you accept your new reality, the next thing you ought to do as a parent with chronic pain is to find your balance and make the most of your good days. This is essential because there are days that you will be feeling just fine, and there are days you will be unable to even move out of bed.  

During your good days, that is; the times you can comfortably get out of bed and play with your kids, then be sure to make the most of your good days. But while at it, don’t push yourself too much as you may end up triggering the pain.  

4. Remember Your Thoughts Affect Everyone in Your Household  

Yes, your chronic condition will change the dynamics of your family. If you were the sole breadwinner, your partner may have to start looking for a job and at the same time, become more involved in your children’s lives. But it’s the thoughts that matter most. If you constantly beat yourself up, you become frustrated, and unfortunately, you channel this frustration to your household. This will negatively impact your relationship with your partner, your kids, and even friends and family close to you. 

 Instead of beating yourself up over what you’re unable to do, accept that life is not what you knew before and try to think positive thoughts because negative thoughts tend to spread like wildfire.  

Parenting by itself can be pretty challenging.  Add in the effects of a chronic disease such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis and you’ve got a lot on your plate. While it’s true it’s a lot to handle, the tips above and help from our experts will help you keep going.  

You Might Also Enjoy...

woman using a foam roller

Stretches to Help with Strained Chest Muscles

Chest muscle strains are common, whether from intense workouts, poor posture, or sudden movements. When the pectoral muscles are strained, it can lead to discomfort and restrict your range of motion. Stretching is a simple yet effective way to alleviate...
woman stretching back muscles

Helpful Exercises to Help with Routine Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint in many people, often triggered by poor posture, prolonged sitting, or overexertion. While many people turn to standard exercises like yoga or stretching to alleviate discomfort, there are lesser-known techniques that can...
When Exercising Causes Abdominal Pain

When Exercising Causes Abdominal Pain

Experiencing abdominal pain during or after exercise is a common issue that can affect individuals of all fitness levels. This discomfort can be unsettling, hindering one's ability to perform and enjoy physical activity.

Meditation and Relaxation Therapies for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide, often leading to significant physical and emotional distress. While traditional medical treatments play a crucial role in managing chronic pain, many individuals seek...
Electromyography and Neck Pain

Electromyography and Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide, often stemming from various causes such as poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or underlying medical conditions. While diagnosing the exact source of neck pain can be...

MRIs and CT Scans - Getting to the Root of Severe Headaches

Severe headaches can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of life from work to relationships. When over-the-counter painkillers fail to provide relief, it's crucial to delve deeper into the underlying causes. MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT...