Posts in 'Tips for Parents'

5 Ways to Help Siblings Understand Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy

Tips for Parents

It should not be surprising that we received a lot of feedback on the community question: “How do you explain your child’s cerebral palsy to other siblings to help them understand?” There are more than six million people with disabilities living in the United States alone, and most of these people have brothers and sisters. Read More

The Benefits of Family-Centered Care

Patient Care, Tips for Parents

Many, if not most, treatment plans for children with CP are centered exclusively on the child. While a child’s interests must always be considered, the narrow focus of such plans can overlook crucial factors, like “living environment” and “family dynamic.” Read More

Where to Donate Old AFOs

Equipment, Tips for Parents

On first thought, you may think that ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) cannot be “recycled,” since they are molded to custom-fit a specific child. However, donating your AFOs actually can help children in need! Some organizations modify the shape of used AFOs, fitting them to their new owners. Read More

When to Contact Your Child’s Doctor During the Holidays

Doctor Visits, Patient Care, Tips for Parents

You may have read this blog post in which Giles Manley urges parents and expectant women: Call a doctor if you feel like you should, even and especially over the holidays! This advice rings equally true for the families of children with special needs Read More

Periods and CP: Tips for Parents

Child Development, Tips for Parents

hen we post our “Question of the Day” on Facebook, we always expect some interaction. After all, our community is very active and loves to help other families facing the same issues. However we were pleasantly surprised when we received an overwhelming amount of feedback to this question. Read More

8 Steps to Maximize Doctor Appointments for Special-Needs Children

Doctor Visits, Patient Care, Tips for Parents

Doctor appointments are all too frequent in the lives of families with special needs children. The appointments themselves and the issues addressed, however, are seldom routine. Given that you will have 15-30 minutes at most with the doctor, making the most of this time is critical. Read More

8 Things to Know After a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis, Cerebral Palsy Information, Tips for Parents

For some parents, hearing the words “your child has cerebral palsy” for the first time is a huge shock. For many others, it only confirms what they have suspected for a long time. Still, some parents are relieved to hear the news; they knew something was wrong, and now that they know what it is, they can begin to take action. Read More

Parents of Kids with CP: Your Rights Under the FMLA

Legal Help, Tips for Parents

Working parents of kids with CP often face unique challenges. For example, you may need to take several weeks off work while your child recovers from surgery. If you work holidays, there are likely no qualified caretakers available to watch your child on those days. There are hundreds of nerve-wracking ways that caring for your... Read More

Was Your Child's CP Preventable?