Patrick McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC, Principal Scientist - 90SecondParent Wellbeing Negar Vakili - IWK Health Centre
Parenting Is Tough!
Parenting Is Tough!...
Parenting is a challenge
There are many demands on parents and often limited support. Parents of children with developmental disabilities have even more demands than other parents. Too little money, inadequate housing and discrimination make parenting harder. Parenting on your own is a challenge. A supportive community of family and friends can help share the load. Connections with other parents can be a lifesaver.
Parents who have a child with developmental disabilities have more work. More demand on finances, medical and education issues, and dealing with bureaucrats are some examples. Children may also have difficult behavior. More stress means higher rates of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even if parenting is stressful, children give a lot of joy, meaning to life, and a chance to grow.
The importance of your wellbeing
Many parents neglect their own wellbeing. This is understandable. They are so busy and focus on the wellbeing of their child. But, forgetting their own wellbeing makes parents less able to care for their children.
...
CALL TO ACTION...
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Parenting is a challenge
There are many demands on parents and often limited support. Parents of children with developmental disabilities have even more demands than other parents. Too little money, inadequate housing and discrimination make parenting harder. Parenting on your own is a challenge. A supportive community of family and friends can help share the load. Connections with other parents can be a lifesaver.
Parents who have a child with developmental disabilities have more work. More demand on finances, medical and education issues, and dealing with bureaucrats are some examples. Children may also have difficult behavior. More stress means higher rates of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even if parenting is stressful, children give a lot of joy, meaning to life, and a chance to grow.
The importance of your wellbeing
Many parents neglect their own wellbeing. This is understandable. They are so busy and focus on the wellbeing of their child. But, forgetting their own wellbeing makes parents less able to care for their children.
Parenting is a challenge
There are many demands on parents and often limited support. Parents of children with developmental disabilities have even more demands than other parents. Too little money, inadequate housing and discrimination make parenting harder. Parenting on your own is a challenge. A supportive community of family and friends can help share the load. Connections with other parents can be a lifesaver.
Parents who have a child with developmental disabilities have more work. More demand on finances, medical and education issues, and dealing with bureaucrats are some examples. Children may also have difficult behavior. More stress means higher rates of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even if parenting is stressful, children give a lot of joy, meaning to life, and a chance to grow.
The importance of your wellbeing
Many parents neglect their own wellbeing. This is understandable. They are so busy and focus on the wellbeing of their child. But, forgetting their own wellbeing makes parents less able to care for their children.
CALL TO ACTION
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Parenting is a challenge
There are many demands on parents and often limited support. Parents of children with developmental disabilities have even more demands than other parents. Too little money, inadequate housing and discrimination make parenting harder. Parenting on your own is a challenge. A supportive community of family and friends can help share the load. Connections with other parents can be a lifesaver.
Parents who have a child with developmental disabilities have more work. More demand on finances, medical and education issues, and dealing with bureaucrats are some examples. Children may also have difficult behavior. More stress means higher rates of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even if parenting is stressful, children give a lot of joy, meaning to life, and a chance to grow.
The importance of your wellbeing
Many parents neglect their own wellbeing. This is understandable. They are so busy and focus on the wellbeing of their child. But, forgetting their own wellbeing makes parents less able to care for their children.
CALL TO ACTION
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Parenting is a challenge
There are many demands on parents and often limited support. Parents of children with developmental disabilities have even more demands than other parents. Too little money, inadequate housing and discrimination make parenting harder. Parenting on your own is a challenge. A supportive community of family and friends can help share the load. Connections with other parents can be a lifesaver.
Parents who have a child with developmental disabilities have more work. More demand on finances, medical and education issues, and dealing with bureaucrats are some examples. Children may also have difficult behavior. More stress means higher rates of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even if parenting is stressful, children give a lot of joy, meaning to life, and a chance to grow.
The importance of your wellbeing
Many parents neglect their own wellbeing. This is understandable. They are so busy and focus on the wellbeing of their child. But, forgetting their own wellbeing makes parents less able to care for their children.
CALL TO ACTION
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
Read each90SecondParent health letter
The purpose of 90SecondParent is to offer tips and support on parenting children with developmental disabilities, taking care of parents own needs, and improving the wellbeing of families. The short 90SecondParent health letters are divided into five main parts.
Introduction: The first section is the one you just read — the introduction. There you will find background information on the topic of the health letter you’re reading.
Call to action: The second section is the one you are currently reading. Here, you will find actionable advice based on the topic of the health letter.
Assessment: The third section is a survey below the call to action. Click on "ASSESSMENT" and by filling out the survey, you will receive personalized insights and suggestions related to the health letter topic.
Personal story: This section is written by a parent of a child with developmental disabilities with lived experience on the topic. They will talk about their experience. You can view the story by clicking on "PERSONAL STORY".
Ratings: In the last section, we ask that you provide feedback and suggestions on the health letter. Your insights will help us improve 90SecondParent Wellbeing. Once you click on "PERSONAL STORY" you will see the rating section under personal story.
Acknowledge the challenges
Parenting a child with a developmental disability is very demanding. The problem is not you. It is just very hard. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities is important.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is your duty as a parent. Many parents feel guilty about taking care of themselves and parents that do, even in small doses, are better parents for it. It is important to realize that taking care of yourself as a parent improves your child's wellbeing.
ASSESSMENT
Please fill out and submit your assessment.
ASSESSMENT
Please fill out and submit your assessment.
ASSESSMENT
Please fill out and submit your assessment.
assessment, when selecting options, 1 is false, 5 is true.I acknowledge the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities.please select an option..I am able to prioritize my own wellbeing.please select an option..I don't find parenting stressful.please select an option..I am able to find time for myself.please select an option..I have no problem admitting that parenting is tough for everyone.please select an option..I take care of my own needs.please select an option..I find joy in parenting.please select an option..
Please submit the form to get your assessment.
Personal Story. Personal Story.
When Fatemeh was born, it was clear she would have some problems. The birth was difficult. Her breathing was not good. She was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks. At 3 months, she had seizures and was back in the hospital again. It was one crisis after another until she was about 5 years old.
I had to take a leave from my job to be with her. Finances were tight. There was a lot of stress in our family. I didn’t sleep through the night for years. I felt I had to do everything for her. I didn’t pay any attention to my needs. She consumed all of my time and energy. I was always worrying she would get an infection. I loved her so much and felt so close to her. My husband and I grew apart. Fatemeh was my only focus. I didn’t think he could do her care as well as I could. I was exhausted all the time. I am sure I was depressed.
My mother in law was very sympathetic. She saw what was happening. She convinced me over several months to start taking care of my own needs. An agency got an LPN to come in and help with some of Fatemeh’s care. I joined a book club once a month and went for a walk every time I could. I allowed my partner to do some of her care. It wasn’t easy but I learned to take care of myself. I felt guilty at first, but my mother in law was fabulous. She pushed me to give up guilt. She pushed her son to realize how hard it had been on me. Things are still hard. I went back to work part time. Financially, it doesn’t make much difference. But it is sure worth it for me. My husband and I are on the same side now.
Did you find this health letter helpful?...Suggestions for future topics?...Suggestions for improving THIS 90Second issue: ...Overall rating of this health letter issue:...
PERSONAL STORY
When Fatemeh was born, it was clear she would have some problems. The birth was difficult. Her breathing was not good. She was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks. At 3 months, she had seizures and was back in the hospital again. It was one crisis after another until she was about 5 years old.
I had to take a leave from my job to be with her. Finances were tight. There was a lot of stress in our family. I didn’t sleep through the night for years. I felt I had to do everything for her. I didn’t pay any attention to my needs. She consumed all of my time and energy. I was always worrying she would get an infection. I loved her so much and felt so close to her. My husband and I grew apart. Fatemeh was my only focus. I didn’t think he could do her care as well as I could. I was exhausted all the time. I am sure I was depressed.
My mother in law was very sympathetic. She saw what was happening. She convinced me over several months to start taking care of my own needs. An agency got an LPN to come in and help with some of Fatemeh’s care. I joined a book club once a month and went for a walk every time I could. I allowed my partner to do some of her care. It wasn’t easy but I learned to take care of myself. I felt guilty at first, but my mother in law was fabulous. She pushed me to give up guilt. She pushed her son to realize how hard it had been on me. Things are still hard. I went back to work part time. Financially, it doesn’t make much difference. But it is sure worth it for me. My husband and I are on the same side now.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The impact of parenting stress: a meta-analysis of studies comparing the experience of parenting stress in parents of children with and without autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 43(3):629-42.
Wiener, J., Biondic, D., Grimbos, T., & Herbert, M. (2016). Parenting Stress of Parents of Adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Abnorm Child Psychol, 44(3):561-74.
PERSONAL STORY
When Fatemeh was born, it was clear she would have some problems. The birth was difficult. Her breathing was not good. She was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks. At 3 months, she had seizures and was back in the hospital again. It was one crisis after another until she was about 5 years old.
I had to take a leave from my job to be with her. Finances were tight. There was a lot of stress in our family. I didn’t sleep through the night for years. I felt I had to do everything for her. I didn’t pay any attention to my needs. She consumed all of my time and energy. I was always worrying she would get an infection. I loved her so much and felt so close to her. My husband and I grew apart. Fatemeh was my only focus. I didn’t think he could do her care as well as I could. I was exhausted all the time. I am sure I was depressed.
My mother in law was very sympathetic. She saw what was happening. She convinced me over several months to start taking care of my own needs. An agency got an LPN to come in and help with some of Fatemeh’s care. I joined a book club once a month and went for a walk every time I could. I allowed my partner to do some of her care. It wasn’t easy but I learned to take care of myself. I felt guilty at first, but my mother in law was fabulous. She pushed me to give up guilt. She pushed her son to realize how hard it had been on me. Things are still hard. I went back to work part time. Financially, it doesn’t make much difference. But it is sure worth it for me. My husband and I are on the same side now.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The impact of parenting stress: a meta-analysis of studies comparing the experience of parenting stress in parents of children with and without autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 43(3):629-42.
Wiener, J., Biondic, D., Grimbos, T., & Herbert, M. (2016). Parenting Stress of Parents of Adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Abnorm Child Psychol, 44(3):561-74.
PERSONAL STORY
When Fatemeh was born, it was clear she would have some problems. The birth was difficult. Her breathing was not good. She was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks. At 3 months, she had seizures and was back in the hospital again. It was one crisis after another until she was about 5 years old.
I had to take a leave from my job to be with her. Finances were tight. There was a lot of stress in our family. I didn’t sleep through the night for years. I felt I had to do everything for her. I didn’t pay any attention to my needs. She consumed all of my time and energy. I was always worrying she would get an infection. I loved her so much and felt so close to her. My husband and I grew apart. Fatemeh was my only focus. I didn’t think he could do her care as well as I could. I was exhausted all the time. I am sure I was depressed.
My mother in law was very sympathetic. She saw what was happening. She convinced me over several months to start taking care of my own needs. An agency got an LPN to come in and help with some of Fatemeh’s care. I joined a book club once a month and went for a walk every time I could. I allowed my partner to do some of her care. It wasn’t easy but I learned to take care of myself. I felt guilty at first, but my mother in law was fabulous. She pushed me to give up guilt. She pushed her son to realize how hard it had been on me. Things are still hard. I went back to work part time. Financially, it doesn’t make much difference. But it is sure worth it for me. My husband and I are on the same side now.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The impact of parenting stress: a meta-analysis of studies comparing the experience of parenting stress in parents of children with and without autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 43(3):629-42.
Wiener, J., Biondic, D., Grimbos, T., & Herbert, M. (2016). Parenting Stress of Parents of Adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Abnorm Child Psychol, 44(3):561-74.
