Raising a child is a big responsibility for parents because everything about the child is dependent on them. Parents often sacrifice themselves for their children, this sometimes may include relationships.
It becomes much more of a responsibility when it comes to raising a child with special needs, as they sometimes require an extra ounce of care. Parents of a differently abled child are obligated to work together by all means to meet the child’s needs. Be that as it may, it is not always a smooth sailing journey.
IOL, an online news publication conducted interviews with parents of children with special needs, revealing their experiences and how their lives have been impacted.
According to the publication, one mother said she gave birth to a healthy child in 2012, but her son suffered a brain injury after a swimming accident, affecting his mobility. IOL further explained that this made it difficult for the mother’s ex-husband to accept the child. The mother explained to the publication that her ex-husband went as far as suggesting that they take their son to be euthanised, but she protested against it.
The mother continued to tell the publication that she opposed even the idea of taking their disabled son to a nursing home and visiting him frequently. She said it felt like abandoning him. She also mentioned in the interview that her husband started to distance himself and refused to sleep at home on some nights. After a while, she claimed she decided to end her marriage.
Another parent who has a child with autism told IOL, “It’s been the most traumatic experience for our family. Our marriage has taken strain, and we are in the process of separating after being together for 18 years and I do feel that a lot of the breakdown has been due to stress caused by having a child on the spectrum.”
Psychology Today (PT), a media organisation with a focus on psychology and human behaviour advises parents experiencing the same issues. According to the organisation, maintaining a co-parenting alliance is crucial for a child’s success and parents must openly discuss their inclinations and adapt to create a reliable home environment. PT suggests regular family meetings for unity and cooperation. The publication continues to state that “couples should not let their marriage or romantic connection fade, as maintaining their bond is essential for the family’s survival.”
Also see: How overparenting can affect your child’s health
