In 2018, we published a collection of essays from wheelchair parents, all of them at slightly different stages of their parenting journey. Now, Parenting from a Wheelchair is back. Six years later, the same cast is adapting to new challenges. Scroll down to see each of the new essays, followed by the originals. The sections are organized with the same logic as when you play a board game with your child: youngest first.
Parenting from a wheelchair: The elementary school years
Lessons on frustration, disability and wanting it all
Seth McBride’s sons are seven and three years old and are becoming more active every day. As he teaches them about sports, how to handle frustration and other emotional outbursts, he learns some lessons for his own life and how he thinks about the various hassles of living with a disability.
Safety, limits and fun for parents who use a wheelchair
Stephanie Arrache, her husband, and their eight-year-old son recently traded the concrete jungle of Southern California for a less hectic lifestyle in Wyoming. Now that her son is learning to swim and enjoy the open spaces around them, Arrache has had to learn to set boundaries and keep him safe, even when she can’t be by his side.
Navigating an inaccessible world with my son
When Teal Sherer’s son was a baby, she had a hard time getting him anywhere without help. Things got easier as the boy became more functional, and now that he’s 9, Sherer finds her son incredibly helpful in navigating all the inaccessible places—from overly high shelves in stores to security checkpoints at airports—they encounter in their daily lives.
Parenting from a wheelchair: the early years
First year of the Ewan experience
When her first child is born, McBride has no idea how, as C7 quadruplets, she’ll handle the day-to-day tasks of caring for a newborn. From changing diapers to lifting a baby off the floor and into a car seat, follow along as McBride learns to adjust to parenting life, one messy step at a time.
How to keep up with a mobile toddler
Arrache, who uses a wheelchair, wasn’t sure how she’d be able to keep up with her son once he started walking — and running. She explains how she taught him (with the help of games, her lap and a hand-held leash) to stay close in parking lots, grocery stores and anywhere else they might meet.
Explaining disability to our children
When Sherer’s son first asked her why his legs weren’t working, she hesitated. Even though she had answered this question hundreds of times to strangers, explaining to her son what a disability was felt like a huge responsibility. After talking to other parents who use wheelchairs, Sherer found that they all had similar advice: be direct, be honest, and don’t forget to share the positive aspects of living with a disability.
Support group for the empowerment of parents and caregivers
For parents who have children who use wheelchairs, the United Spinal Association has a dedicated support group, Empowering Parental Caregivers, which serves as an open forum for parents to share their experiences and connect with one another. Meetings will consist of guided discussions on topics chosen by parents, which may include home exercise programs, skin integrity education, resources for adaptive recreation and assistive technology, adaptive clothing, and more.
Meetings are held every other Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:00pm US Eastern Time. Website to empower parent caregivers For more information and registration.
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