Parenting With Fibromyalgia

The Worry Versus the Reality

• Some moms dealing with fibromyalgia worry they won't be able to parent as well as their healthy peers because they don't have the energy to run around with kids or they're too ill to enjoy them. However, you'll have plenty of ways to connect with your kids in ways that don't drain you, including reading a book together or watching a movie. Even just snuggling on the couch together can be a good way to bond. According to an article at PsychologyToday.com, children of fibromyalgia patients do just as well as other children and are likely to feel loved and valued by their parents due to the one-on-one quiet time spent together.

Explaining Fibromyalgia

• Explain to your kids that fibromyalgia is a problem, but not dangerous or contagious. Remind kids of how they feel when they have the flu -- tired and achy, and liken the feeling to that, only on an on going basis. Be honest and explain that some days you will feel better than others, but that no matter whether it's a good day or a bad day, you still love them.

What You Can Do

• Spend time with your child as much as possible. If you feel up to it, go for short walks, if not, play a board game, read a book together, or make a special snack time at a set time each day. Arrange play times with other adults and offer a compromise: you will supply the snacks or pay for their children on the outing if the other parent will do the running around chasing after all the kids.

Taking Care of Yourself

• Remember that a mom who's sick and stressed is no good to anyone. Pick your battles. Rest when you feel tired, and say no to extra responsibilities whenever possible. If your doctor has prescribed any medications or therapies, adhere to them faithfully. Eat a well-balanced, healthful diet and drink plenty of fluid to keep your body in top shape. If hard-core workouts are too difficult for you, consider short periods on a stationary bike or yoga to keep your body in shape.

Share Responsibilities

• HealthyWoman.org suggests that if you have a spouse or partner who can help out with child care or household duties, let them. The more energy you save on making school lunches or loading the dishwasher, the more energy you'll have to teach your preschooler how to tie her shoes or have a heart-to-heart talk with your teen.