Guest Blog Post- Shannon Thomas
This weeks blog is part two from Shannon Thomas. This list is helpful and humbling. I am feel privileged to bring you this post.
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| My Brandon, G-tube surgery, 2005 |
1. Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression, PTSD, and anxiety are very common in new special needs moms, especially if the baby has to go to NICU. Be aware of any signs that your friend is having a hard time coping with the stress and shock of having a sick baby.
2. Support
The whole family needs support, not just mom. Dad's don't verbalize their needs as often, and tend to put their feelings aside, in order to be strong for their family. Siblings are often confused, scared, and sad. Make an effort to reach out to each member of the family, not just the mother.
3. Go to the hospital.
Go early, go often, and be in for the long haul. Whether the family is welcoming a sick newborn, dealing with surgery, or a treatment program for an older kid, having a child in the hospital is a full time job. It's also lonely, traumatic, boring, stressful, and expensive. It is always better to go and not be needed, than to stay away and leave the family on their own.
4. Gifts
When you go to the hospital, don't bring flowers or baby items. Most ICUs don't allow them. Instead, bring non-perishable snacks, drinks, magazines, pampering items for the parents (lotion, lip balm, toiletries), pay for their parking, bring a home cooked meal, offer to sit bedside for a while, anything you can think of to make the family more comfortable on what could be a very long journey. This applies to older children in the hospital as well, who may also appreciate easy to clean toys.
5. Make Arrangements
Arrange meals, rides, pet care, babysitting, errands, or cleaning. Don't take no for an answer. And don't expect the family to know what their schedule will be from day to day. Get a group of friends together and make a flexible plan. This is great anytime, not just when a child is in the hospital.
6. Learn
Learn the name, general characteristics, and major needs of the child's disorder. Almost every genetic anomaly or childhood disease has a foundation with a website. Educating yourself not only shows your support, but will guide you towards how you can be more helpful.
7. Learn More
Learn to do some of the child's treatments and procedures, then offer to babysit. Many special needs kids take medications, wear hearing aides or orthotic braces, get tube feedings, are not potty trained, or require constant supervision that make finding childcare next to impossible. It is taxing and frightening being the only person dealing with those things day in and day out. Not only will it give your friend a much needed break, but it will ease their anxiety about the future care of their child.
8. Touch and Talk
Touch the child, talk to them, and find what makes them happy. Nothing is more rewarding than making a special child laugh. Special needs parents need to be reminded that their child is lovable and welcome in this world.
9. Invite
Invite them to things, and plan accordingly. Make sure your party/picnic/outing is friendly for whatever the special needs may be. Make sure the family will not end up isolated in the corner of the room. Have appropriate food/drink items, a couple of toys, and a safe space for the child to play. (Just ask! The parents will tell you what works.)
10. Gifts
Learn about and give appropriate gifts. Birthdays and holidays can be tough on special needs families. While they love the child that they actually have, they may be grieving the child they imagined having. Few things sharpen that grief like opening a gift their child will never be able to enjoy due to sensory, motor, or developmental problems. Take the time to ask questions and do some research before giving a gift. But do give them!
I am striving now in my 30's, to live an authentic life that brings joy to my family, and sustains me as I care for them. Two of our four kids have special needs. I have been an "at home" mother since our first child was born, but I am always looking for ways to de-stress, feed my intellect, and nourish my spirit. Since we are a big family on a single income, I'm also very into saving time and money. I have a passion for sustainable, kind living, without sacrificing fun and joy!
Read more at www.mishmashmama.blogspot.com. You can find Mishmash Mama on Twitter @mishmashmama, on Facebook.com/MishmashMama, and on Pinterest.com/mishmashblog
This is a great list! I would never have thought of some of these things, and I am the kind of person that might make a genuine offer of help but back off if it's refused the first time. I like that you said "don't take no for an answer." Although I tend not to push, I know that even when I'm overwhelmed I tend to refuse help because I don't want to be a bother. Obviously I'm not the only one who does that - and I can imagine with a child in the hospital, moms would need so much more help than I do!
ReplyDeleteHi Jaime, thanks. In my experience, I was often so emotional, that I wasn't making the most practical choices. I really just needed somebody to take care of me too!
DeleteGreat post! It can be difficult as someone who has no first hand experience to know exactly what to do, what is appropriate, etc. I appreciate this list!
ReplyDeleteThanks Whitney. I hope it's helpful to everyone!
DeleteIt's looking like some of my post got cut out somehow! Number 10, Gifts, is incomplete. Here's the full copy!
ReplyDelete"Learn about and give appropriate gifts. Birthdays and holidays can be tough on special needs families. While they love the child that they actually have, they may be grieving the child they imagined having. Few things sharpen that grief like opening a gift their child will never be able to enjoy due to sensory, motor, or developmental problems. Take the time to ask questions and do some research before giving a gift. But do give them!"
What another great list. Thank you so much for sharing. I agree that many times people forget about the dads so thank you for reminding us!
ReplyDelete