Preparing For Parenthood When You’re Living With A Disability
|
By Ashley Taylor
Becoming A Parent is Stressful Becoming a parent is one of the happiest times of a person’s life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. There are a lot of worries that come with having a child, and when you begin feathering your nest for a baby, those worries are often highlighted. How will he sleep? What will bathtime be like? What if he’s a fussy eater? These questions are all a normal part of becoming a parent for the first time, but they can build up the anxiety you may already have about being responsible for your little guy. If you’re living with a disability, those anxieties may very well be compounded. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to prepare your home--and your life--for a new child that will make things easier for both of you. Start with a good plan The key is to start with a good plan, get familiar with home modifications that can add accessibility, and find ways to simplify your daily routine. The more organized you get, the easier the transition to parenthood will be. Here are a few tips on how to get started. Tackle safety issues Depending on the nature of your disability, you may have trouble with mobility, so it’s important to take care of any safety issues first. This means going from room to room to look for any potential hazards that may not present themselves as such right now, but might when you’re carrying your little one. Installing rubber, non-slip mats, and a grab-bar in the bathroom will keep you from suffering falls on slippery surfaces and will allow you to bathe your child easily. Removing clutter from walkways and getting rid of throw rugs will also prevent trip hazards and will allow you to move smoothly through your home. If you live in a smaller home or an apartment, you may not have enough space to store these items. If this is the case, consider renting a self-storage unit. The average monthly price charged to rent a storage unit in Colorado Springs is $97.25. Label everything For those who have issues with vision, it’s imperative to make sure you can quickly and easily find what you need for your child, whether it’s food or medicine, so invest in a label maker that will help you stay organized and keep your child safe. There are label makers on the market that print in braille, making it that much easier to stay on top of things. For parents with physcial disabilities, consider some home modifications While some home modifications require a professional and a flexible budget, others aren’t too pricey and can help you make your home more accessible and comfortable. You might have countertops lowered, doorways widened, or new fixtures installed that will make opening doors easier. Look around your home and think about what sort of changes could be made that will allow you to master daily chores. For more info on home modifications, read on here. Choose the right tools All jobs require the right tools to do them properly, and parenthood is no different. There are many different items you’ll need for your child when it comes to safety, learning, and growing, and these can be adapted to fit your needs. Whether it’s a carseat that fits snugly into a matching stroller for ease of transition from the car or a changing table that holds diapers, wipes, and lotions underneath, there are many different ways you can make daily tasks easier. Check out this article for more suggestions. Don't Compare Your Experience Negatively to Other Parents It’s important not to compare your experience to other parents. Living with a disability means adapting your lifestyle to work for you and your child, so it should be specific to your needs. Remember to ask for help when you need it, whether from your partner, friends, family,or professionals -- and rest when you can. Parenting is a big job, after all! |
|