1. Let go of the guilt
We all spend a good amount of time feeling guilty, it just comes with the territory. Even healthy parents carry guilt about whether they are working too much or not providing enough for their kids. Parents with chronic illness just get an extra dose of guilt because we have more limitations. I always worry about the fact that I'm not involved more with my kids' school. I sometimes think I'm the worst Mom because I don't volunteer very often, but I'd rather save my energy for when my kids our home. Still, I often torture myself with guilt even though there is nothing I can do to change the situation. That kind of guilt is pointless and I know I need to let go. What's important is that I love my kids and I take care of them. I may not be super PTA mom, but I still spend lots of time with them.
2. Maintain boundaries
It's difficult to maintain boundaries when you have a chronic illness and it's even harder when you have to maintain boundaries with your kids. My kids know that I want to do as much as I can with them, but I do sometimes have to tell them no and they need to abide by that. We can talk about how it makes them feel, but there is no guilting me into doing something I can't physically do. My kids are still young and don't fully get the concept of boundaries, but my hope is they will get better as they get older.
3. Put yourself first
It sounds horrible and selfish but you have to put yourself first when you have a chronic illness. It's just like the oxygen mask on the airplane, you have to put yours on first so you can help your child put on theirs.We need to take care of ourselves first before we can take care of other people. It doesn't do anyone any good if we're a mess. There are times when I have to put my health first and tell my children no. They don't like it, but over time they have observed that if I physically can do something for them I will do it. If I say no it's for a real reason and I'm not just putting them off.
4. Find ways to interact with your kids that don't suck all your energy
I always imagined I'd be the parent to teach my kids how to play soccer, basketball and other sports. I love being active outdoors and I want to pass that onto my kids. Unfortunately those activities are all energy suckers, so I've had to turn to other options. I work with my kids on their reading and read books to them because that doesn't require any movement. I sit at the kitchen table and talk with them while they color. My daughter and I often spend our time together doing yoga. She's better at it than I am and loves giving me a hard time about it! One of my sons's favorite activities is when I lay on the floor and build blocks with him. It's not flashy or fancy but we enjoy spending time together.
You have to find what activities work for you and your child. It's going to be different for everyone, but the good news is there are easy ways to interact and teach your kids without expending too much energy. A trip to Disney World may be more exciting, but what your child is going to remember is that you spent time with them.
That is so true. I hate asking for help, but I've really had to let go of my pride and do it. I wouldn't survive otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of taking more photos so we can remember events! My memory is shot anyway, so it's good to have actual proof of events happening.