Raising children is never smooth sailing, but in case your child has a disability, you are presented with unique challenges.
From financial difficulties to the many new behaviors a child with a disability may have, your family may have a hard time adjusting to this change.
But, this new change can also bring along multiple opportunities for you and your partner.
As a mom, you will be faced with some unique obstacles and potentially stressful situations.
In order to deal with them in the best way possible and care for your child, you and your partner must work together.
Here are some of the challenges you might encounter as a way to help you prepare you for what’s to come.
1. Financial Difficulties
Caring for a child with a disability can put a strain on your finances.
There are various things that you will have to do to make your child’s every day easier.
For example, depending on the type of disability, you might have to make some changes to your home in order for it to be more accessible. On the other hand, you might also have to invest in other equipment, such as wheelchairs and various aids, as well as transportation.
The biggest obstacle might be the high cost of medical bills.
Finances are often the cause of marital issues, even if we take kids out of the equation, so try to work with your spouse to see where some money can be saved.
Furthermore, turn to your state disability support service as they can provide you with some info about getting financial support.
2. Changes in Family Roles and Careers
Taking care of your child might also mean that you will have to reconsider your career choices.
For instance, one or both of you might have to work less or even quit your job altogether. If one of you decides to be a stay-at-home parent, you will have to get used to the changing household dynamic.
You will have to work out a schedule and think of ways to balance work and taking care of your child.
3. Behavior of the Child
Even children without disabilities can be hard to deal with on certain occasions.
This is why you and your partner have to work out a plan which will allow you to deal with the situations at hand in the best possible manner and stay consistent.
You might even need some professional help when it comes to creating behavior strategies, so don’t hesitate to include a disability specialist or psychologist in this process.
4. Getting Help
In addition to the previously mentioned specialists, you might need some more help.
There will surely be instances where you will feel overwhelmed and stressed out – this is why turning to friends and family will be of great assistance.
Teach them some basics when it comes to dealing with the situation and make sure it is someone your child trusts.
On the other hand, you can hire support workers who will take some of the load off your back especially if your work is piling up or when you and your spouse need some time for yourselves.
5. Spending Quality Time Together
Devoting all of your time to your child often means that you can’t spend a lot of it with your significant other.
To prevent this from affecting your relationship, it’s important to carve out some time to do something together.
Go to a spa for a weekend, have date nights on a certain day of the week, do sports and whatever else you like.
Most importantly, talk and provide each other with emotional support. There is no shame in asking for help, so turn to some of the previously mentioned solutions and take care of yourself.
6. Positive Changes in Your Family
Not everything is grim, however.
While there are challenges, there are also ways to make your family bonds even stronger. Take a look at the positive effects of taking care of a child with additional needs.
You’ll be More Creative
Seeing as how every individual and every type of disability need a different approach, you and your partner might have different ideas on how to handle it.
If you know how to work well together, this is not an issue at all.
Both of your approaches might work or neither of them, so you’ll have to get creative to work out a strategy that works for everyone.
Communication Will Improve
While creating a strategy, your communication is bound to improve.
You will learn how to share your feelings and opinions. Talking everything out will definitely make you a better team and strengthen your relationship.
Raising a child with a disability might be a bit challenging but you should not allow it to endanger your relationship.
Remember to focus on the positives and look for help when you need it.
Over to you – if your child has a disability, how has it affected your relationship with your partner?
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