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The Dealing with the Feelings booklet (Word .doc, 219kb)
"Many parents who have a child with a disability find themselves constantly doing a series of juggling acts. There is the organisational juggle of managing life with work and family demands and a range of health and education professionals to deal with. There is often a financial juggle if one parent is unable to work or if there are expensive therapies or travel to pay for. And there is the emotional juggle of loving their disabled child, but wishing things were different, trying to be positive and hopeful for their future, but feeling sad, angry and worried about it at the same time, trying to accept their child as he or she is, and at the same time hoping that things will improve."
"This book is based on the idea that parents can be positive and hopeful at the same time as acknowledging that these very difficult feelings are a normal response. It looks at some of those feelings, particularly the grief that many parents feel knowing that although their child may be particularly treasured, it is not the "perfect" child they dreamed of, and may not be able to achieve things other children can. The aim of this book is to discuss feelings that are common to most parents trying to do the "disability juggle", and to make some suggestions for ways to deal with them. Every situation is unique though; these are very complex issues and every parent's response is different. As you read through the book, remember that some parts will apply to you and others won't."
