Raising an Epileptic Child – Tips to Help Parents Cope

Being a parent is no easy task, and when you learn your child has epilepsy, the challenges can be even greater. But while having an epileptic child may require some extra work on your part to care for them properly, it doesn’t mean that your family can’t live happy and normal lives.

Raising an epileptic child comes with its unique set of considerations, but with the right information and support system in place, you’ll find that being a parent to an epileptic kid isn’t so different from raising any other kind of kid. 

Keep reading for some tips on how to manage all aspects of life with an epileptic child—from managing seizures to helping build self-esteem and staying connected as a family.

Educate Yourself

Epilepsy is a scary diagnostic for a parent, but you have to keep in mind that it’s not a life-threatening disease (anymore). However, recent studies show that the condition has a major impact on a child’s quality of life as it makes social life harder and compromises relationships with peers. 

Also, kids who suffer from frequent seizures may develop lower self-esteem, which may impact their later development as young adults. This is why it’s important to educate yourself in an effort to try and understand what your child is going through. 

Luckily, nowadays, it’s easy to find accurate and reliable replies to the “what is epilepsy” question. Also, your doctor will point out a few educational resources depending on your level of medical knowledge.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll probably learn new things about this condition as your kid grows and starts asking questions. 

Find a Support Group

Parenting is not an easy task when your child is happy and healthy, but if you add the weight of a life-long condition such as epilepsy, it can feel almost impossible to bear at times. When this happens, most parents feel guilty for the way they think, which only adds to the overall weight. 

The best way to help your kid is to learn how to help yourself as well. If you feel guilty and are constantly on edge, the child will feel negative emotions and can easily make an association with their condition. If this continues, it can lead to a whole lot of mental and emotional trouble for everyone involved.

So look for help from people who understand your position – other parents of epileptic kids. If you have access to a local support group and have the time, it’s best to participate in in-person meetings, but online support groups are amazing as well. However, make sure to only use reliable online therapy platforms, regardless of the issues you’re trying to solve.

Manage the Situation as New Challenges Arrive

Your child will experience the world differently, and you have to be there to help them navigate new situations as they arrive. Therefore, it is a good idea to think ahead and find ways to explain any challenges.

However, it doesn’t help if you are anxious about the future and try to control and plan your child’s life. You won’t be able to protect them for the rest of their lives, so invest energy in creating tools and coping mechanisms they can use in diverse situations. Of course, these tools should be adjustable and scalable to accommodate the new hurdles that tend to come with age.

In Summary

Parenting an epileptic child can be incredibly difficult, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you educate yourself and build a support network.

Parenting an epileptic child requires immense strength and courage, so make sure to take care of yourself too. If you need any additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local epilepsy foundation or other organizations dedicated to helping families cope with this condition.

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