“It is not the child’s disability that handicaps and disintegrates families; it is the way they react to it and to each other” (Dickman & Gordon).
A family who has a child with a disability may experience many challenges such as repeated physical and emotional crises, interactive family issues, ruined schedules, and additional expenses that can create financial burdens for a family. However, finding a way to deal with the added stresses can glue a marriage (and a family) together more firmly than ever.
Communication
Thoughts, emotions and information need to be shared to prevent family members from feeling isolated. Siblings may feel jealous, embarrassed and left out due to the added attention given to the child with the disability or chronic illness. They need to know that they are special, valuable, loved and do not always come second. It is also important to educate all family members on an ongoing basis so that they can understand, accept and meet the needs of the child with the disability or illness; as a child grows and changes, so might their disability or illness.
Support
Support groups can be beneficial to the parents of a disabled child as they meet with others who can provide valuable insights or just listen to what a couple is dealing with. Support groups can also be a valuable tool for the single parent or the sibling who needs someone to listen and give emotional support as she or he deals with the situation.
Time management
The parents of a disabled child need to make time for each other as man and wife, not just as mom and dad, to keep their marriage intact and healthy. By taking care of each other and their relationship, they are giving their children the benefit of a stable, loving home and building on what they already have as a couple.
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about families with a disabled child.