Studies show that the way parents feel about dealing with epilepsy has a major effect on how their child feels about having seizures and their effects. Meet other parents around the world here at The Epilepsy Network (TEN)!
Parents Make the Difference
Emphasize the positive; praise success.
Build on things your child likes and can do.
Avoid describing your child’s seizures or the financial burden of medical care as problems in front of your child.
Encourage a special hobby or lessons to acquire a special skill.
Discuss seizures and epilepsy openly with your child and answer his or her questions about it.
Encourage your child to be active and to have as much social contact with other children as possible.
Try not to make your child’s seizures a reason not to do things the family would otherwise do, or fail to discipline your child on that account.
Take some time for yourself without feeling guilty about it.
Resources for Parents
The Epilepsy Foundation provides many resources to for parents through their website and their affiliates. They also have a wide variety of materials available for purchase in their online store and some free materials (although you must cover the cost of shipping & handling). These materials range from children’s books, CDs, DVDs, novels, etc. Click here (http://shop.epilepsyfoundation.org/store/default.aspx) for items for children and here for items for parents.
You may also want to get a medical alert bracelet or necklace for your child. Click here: (http://shop.epilepsyfoundation.org/store/p/704-Children-s-Medic-Warning-Bracelet.aspx)to purchase.
