Multiple Sclerosis
Deborah DeCairos Grandmaitre, M.Ed., CCC
Canadian Certified Counsellor
MS and Children
Did you know?
- Some youngsters develop more empathy in their relationships with others and become more socially mature.
- Some children also develop a greater sense of independence and autonomy than other children the same age.
- Despite the ups and downs of adolescence, most young adults who grew up with a parent with MS have positive memories of their childhood and hold their parent with Ms in high regard.
What you can say and do:
- Remind the child that he/she is not responsible for your illness.
- Be honest and realistic in your explanations and about changes that may affect your children.
- Do not be afraid to say: "I don't know". No one, not even your child, expects you to have all the answers.
- Do not be afraid to ask your child questions. Being asked what he/she thinks or how he/she feels will not give him/her new fears, but will enable him/her instead to talk about what he/she is experiencing.
- Learn to trust yourselves as parents and to trust your children. Most parents have the skills they need to help their children adapt to MS.
Practical tips for Parents:
- Weekly meetings that are fifteen to twenty minutes long with all family members can be geared to organize activities, solve problems, organize a daily routine, etc.
- Prepare children for changes that will affect them, let them express their fears and discuss solutions together.
- Learn to share chores among family members.
- Develop fun rituals or traditions for the family.
- Discuss things often.
Despite changes resulting from MS, you still have a lot to offer your children. Your love, understanding, guidance, and a good sense of humour can give all members of your family a good quality of life.
Taken from: How to Talk about MS with your Children: MS - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada: Myelin Series, pages 20, 21, 24, 35.
More information on publications can be accessed from the MS Society websites.
