How to Parent With Arthritis
Parenting does not come with directions and can be challenging for just about anyone. Add arthritis into the mix, and your challenges increase. Joint pain can make simple tasks, such as buttoning up clothing or changing diapers, seem almost impossible on bad days. But challenges are a part of parenting and, with some planning, arthritis is one challenge you can help reduce.
Instructions
Take care of yourself. When you are not feeling well, it makes it even more difficult to take care of your children. Make sure you are taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and make sure to get enough rest. There is nothing wrong with taking a nap with your toddler when you need to. Talk with your children and don̵7;t try to hide your arthritis. They will be able to see you are in pain and when you say you are fine, they will know different and may feel scared that something is seriously wrong. Sit down and have an age-appropriate conversation with your children. For younger children, let them know that you have ouchies where your body moves. For older children, let them ask questions and explain what you can to them. Understanding your condition will allow your children to better help you on bad days. Ask for help when you need it. This help can come from older children, family, friends and neighbors. Parenting does not mean you have to do everything. Create a group of people that are willing to help with things like grocery shopping, housecleaning, yard work or other responsibilities that may be difficult for you on bad days. Share household chores with all family members. Create a chore list for each family member. In addition to helping you, this will help teach your children responsibility. While younger children may not be able to reach the sink to do the dishes, offer them a feather duster and let them deal with the dust bunnies. Adapt your daily activities to your arthritis. Talk with your doctor about possible assistive devices, such as braces, to help make activities easier. Look at what you do on a regular basis and think of ways you can make those activities easier. For example, if arthritis is bad in your hands and gripping a pen or pencil is difficult, look for large-size pens that allow for a more open grip. Cooking with arthritis can be difficult. From opening cans to peeling potatoes, companies have come out with tools with arthritis in mind. Purchase items with your arthritis in mind. If fastening buttons is difficult, pass on that cute little outfit for your toddler and opt for one with a zipper enclosure instead. Velcro shoes make getting dressed with a toddler an easier option as well.
