Thriving as a Parent with Health Challenges

Navigating everyday life with chronic health conditions is incredibly difficult. Dealing with one or several whilst parenting is another level of challenge. This section of the blog is dedicated to the things I’ve learned regarding living well with chronic diseases. These lessons have helped me cope with my own health issues – particularly hearing loss, Multiple Sclerosis, Immune Thrombocytopenia and Endometriosis.

Many of my issues, including pain management, fatigue and cognitive function, will be experienced by other parents with health challenges. It affects our mental health and there is often general lack of understanding from wider society. I hope that many of the practices I have found invaluable will help you too.

“Put your own mask on first, before helping others”

-Cabin crew on flights

Being the best parent you can be ultimately relies on being in the best health you can be! And that means making time for the habits and routines that keep you strong and healthy. As they say on the aeroplanes: “Put your own mask on first before helping others.” It’s true – we can’t give from an empty cup. We have choices to make. We often need to say “no” to societal norms and expectations. We also need to resist the pressure to do it all.

Below is a collection of my blog posts sharing what I’ve learned whilst trying to live well with chronic illnesses. I hope you will find it useful.