Living with an impaired child
Parents of children with disabilities bear a lot of responsibility in everyday life
For many parents, raising a child with a disability means surpassing themselves on a daily basis. In addition to everyday family life, they often also manage medical care, therapies, applications and discussions with authorities. This responsibility is associated with a great deal of love and commitment - but also with high physical and emotional stress. Many parents put their own needs on the back burner because they feel they have to function.
However, self-care is crucial in order to be there for others in the long term. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are numerous offers that relieve, strengthen and support parents - both in everyday life and on an emotional level. This article shows how self-care can succeed - and which advice services and networks support affected families in NRW.
Self-care starts small
Many parents know the feeling: the needs of the children, especially if they have a disability, come first. Their own relaxation is often neglected. However, even small changes in everyday life are often effective in recharging your batteries. After all, self-care is not a minor matter, it is a key prerequisite for dealing better with the challenges of everyday life.
Self-care does not mean withdrawing. It means taking yourself seriously. And it starts with small steps - adapted to your own family situation.
These tips can help you:
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Plan conscious breaks
Even short breaks - such as a walk, a relaxing cup of tea or keeping a diary - can help clear your head.
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Recognize boundaries
No one has to do everything alone. It's okay to hand over tasks or accept help.
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Mindfulness in everyday life
Techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness rituals, conscious periods of rest or a moment of silence can effectively help you to calm down in stressful moments.
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Cultivate your own interests
Even if there is little time available - a fulfilling hobby or a regular get-together with friends can be an effective source of strength.
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Use counseling and relief services
Personal and online advice from specialist agencies can help you find specific support services and identify help - often available free of charge and confidentially. A list of contact points that you can turn to can be found further down in this article.
Parent networks: exchange and support
Exchanging ideas with other parents in similar situations can relieve and strengthen them - and often provides very practical tips. Many mothers and fathers report that they have found new strength in parent networks - because they feel understood there.
In NRW, there are a large number of networks and self-help organizations where parents can not only talk to each other, but also find emotional support. For example:
The KSL parents' network is an inclusive network by parents for parents. It is aimed at mothers and fathers of children with disabilities - regardless of the type and severity of the impairment. The aim is to connect parents, share experiences and work together for an inclusive society. The coordination office is part of the Competence Centers for Independent Living (KSL) in NRW.
The Landesverband für Menschen mit Körper- und Mehrfachbehinderung NRW e. V. (lvkm.nrw) offers information, training and exchange formats for families, relatives and professionals.
KOSKON (coordination for self-help support in NRW) arranges local self-help groups - also for specific illnesses or life situations.
Where can we find help and advice?
In order to cope with the many challenges of life with a disabled child, special help and support is needed from other people and experts. There are many advisory services in NRW that are specifically geared towards the needs of parents of children with disabilities.
- The Inclusion Portal NRW of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs provides an overview of support services, activities and advice centers in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- The Pflegewegweiser NRW supports caring parents with information on benefits, applications and regional contact points.
- The Supplementary independent participation advice (EUTB) advises people with disabilities and their relatives free of charge and close to where they live - including preventative advice.
- The BIÖG's children's health portal provides a guide for families with disabled or chronically ill children.
- The Family Guide from Aktion Mensch provides comprehensive information on topics relating to participation, inclusion and regional support services.
- The Lebenshilfe answers many questions about living with a disabled child - and shows what services are available locally.
- The German Red Cross also offers advice on disability assistance and support services. On the pages of the DRK association you can find out about local assistance programs.
- The Caritas NRW supports people in various forms of disability assistance so that they can lead their lives as independently as possible. In addition, advice strengthens personal and social skills. You can find detailed information about the services offered by the church welfare association on the homepage.
- The Paritätische NRW forms the umbrella for around 3,200 organizations in the field of social work. This includes support for early intervention, participation and inclusion as well as open support for the disabled.
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