Parenting whilst you yourself have health issues

Balancing parenthood with health issues can be challenging in many ways.

You may, for example, notice that:

you have little energy for playing or paying attention;
lifting, bending or caring for someone causes pain;
you get irritated more easily;
avoids activities with your child;
you feel guilty;
if you are having difficulty with transport, pick-ups or appointments;
you get less rest;
you are worried that your child is not getting enough;
you find it difficult to ask for help.

Sometimes it feels as though you are constantly having to choose between your child and your recovery. That is a difficult situation.

Parenting requires physical and mental energy. Ailments, pain, tiredness, stress or poor sleep can reduce that energy.

Your child’s age is also a factor. Young children often require a great deal of physical care. Older children may require more planning, conversation or emotional support.

In addition, expectations can be high. You want to be an involved parent and not miss a thing. As a result, you might end up spending too much time on it.

It helps to make parenting practical and manageable.

For example, you could:

choose activities that suit your energy levels;
playing whilst seated or reading aloud;
asking for help with bringing, collecting or heavy tasks;
explain things to your child in a calm manner;
planning rest periods;
sharing tasks with a partner, family or support network;
consciously making use of brief moments of attention;
Be kind to yourself if things don’t always go the way you’d like.

Children need, above all, a sense of security, attention and honesty at their own level. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

It is wise to seek help if your symptoms are making parenting difficult or if you feel a great deal of guilt. Advice is also important if you are feeling overwhelmed or if there is a lot of tension at home.

Please get in touch if you’re feeling down, aren’t sleeping well or feel like you can’t cope any more.

Together, we’ll look at how you can balance parenthood with your health issues. In doing so, we’ll focus on your energy levels, practical tasks, recovery, emotions and family situation.

A occupational therapist can help to adapt care tasks and daily activities. A lifestyle coach can help with sleep, recovery and rhythm. In cases of guilt, stress or emotional strain, it can psychological support should be appropriate. A physiotherapist can help if pain, lifting or movement are factors.

Together, we look for practical solutions that suit you and your family.

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Parenting whilst you yourself have health issues

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