Parenting with Physical Disabilities

Key Points

• If you have a physical impairment as a parent, you and your family are probably adaptive and capable of overcoming difficulties in daily life.
• You can obtain assistance with routine parenting duties.
• Local services or the NDIS can provide you with assistance.
• Contact an NDIS local area coordinator or a disability advocate if you require assistance.

Parenting with a physical disability: rewards

Parenting a child with a physical limitation has many benefits. These frequently result from how families and kids respond to the circumstance.

For instance, you might discover that you're raising kids who are more kind and kind, perceptive and responsive to others' needs, tolerant and compassionate, mature, and appreciative of their health. They may also be more responsible, independent, responsible, and sympathetic.

Additionally, the dynamics of your family may promote the growth of positive self-esteem in your kids. That's because they develop a sense of value from learning about responsibility and realizing how much they contribute to family life.

Parenting with a physical disability: challenges

Every family has difficulties as their kids mature and develop. However, parents who are physically disabled could face unique challenges.

Your physical impairment might not be one of the main obstacles; rather, it might be how other people perceive it.

There could be some physical limitations or restrictions for you. For instance, it could be challenging to carry your infant without assistance or perform some daily care activities, such as feeding and cleaning. Chasing youngsters around could be more challenging if you're in a wheelchair.

Additionally, there are social and economic difficulties, such as finding employment or gaining access to resources that can help you provide your kids with what they need to grow and develop.

Managing life as a parent with a physical disability

If you have a physical disability, you're usually adept at finding clever and valuable solutions to whatever problems you run against.

You might discover that in your regular contact with your children, you emphasize verbal advice more than physical direction. Even your younger children are undoubtedly aware that they will be safe if they follow your instructions and pay attention to you. Additionally, honest communication becomes increasingly crucial as your kids get older in all facets of family life, including discipline.

It's a good idea to be upfront and honest about your impairment with your kids. This will make it easier for them to comprehend any physical impairments you might have, such as the reason you need a wheelchair or why you tire easily. Children are very good at adapting to their surroundings, and your children will change their behavior to suit both their needs and yours.

Support for parents with a physical disability

You can get assistance with selfcare activities to carry out parenting tasks like feeding, bathing and dressing. The type of support you need depends on your disability, but there are many services, technologies and assistive devices that can help with daily family life.

If you need assistance with selfcare activities in Australia, contact a disability advocate or an NDIS local area coordinator.

A disability advocate is someone who can help parents say what they want for their families. They can also help parents find and understand information about supports and services.

An NDIS local area coordinator (LAC) is someone who works with the NDIS. A LAC can help parents understand how the NDIS works. They can also help parents find and use community supports, services and activities, as well as other government services.

You can also speak to your GP about local support services and health or disability professionals. This might include occupational therapists, who can give you ideas for adapting your physical environment to your particular needs.