Tips for Parenting with Multiple Sclerosis
Take care of your own needs
Rest and relaxation can be hard to come by for any parent or employed person, but it is incredibly important for those living with MS. Energy and ability will have a higher premium for parents living with MS, and becoming tired may carry on for several days after exerting yourself. It is important that parents learn to prioritize rest, sleep, and downtime—taking care of yourself will allow you to take care of your family.
Rosalind Kalb, PhD, says that “tending to your own needs isn’t selfish.” Kalb serves as vice president of clinical care at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Pacing yourself and prioritizing rest means that you will be able to be fully present and able in the moments that matter. Otherwise, you risk being fatigued, lethargic, or generally unwell, which isn’t good for anyone.
