There are many nuances of parenting in general that will be amplified for a parent who is confined to the wheelchair. It may seem like you have it all figured out, but once your child starts running around and exploring with his or her friends at school…things might get tough.
At first, you may think that the physical aspect will be too challenging. But it’s important to remember that all parents have challenges in raising their children, no matter what they are doing for a living or how many siblings they may have. Most likely your challenge won’t be more difficult than other peoples, but it will look different from theirs – which is okay.
By making some adjustments to your lifestyle and mindset about parenting on wheels, you can enjoy parenthood just as much (or even more) without having any obstacles put up by society because of your disability.
Infants And Toddlers
Infants and toddlers require a lot of attention, mainly because they are less independent than older children. One thing that is important to think about is the height of your changing table. You’ll need to adjust it so you can reach on top for when baby might fall off. Specialized cribs make raising babies easier too; this way all safety standards are met.
Some parents use a large hamper as an exercise in creativity. They’ll build the baby’s play area inside this confined space and then pick them up from the floor with ease when they’re done playing. It is common to feel exhausted after parenting but being on wheels can really be draining! Give yourself permission for breaks; take care of your body like it deserves by getting plenty of rest while your child sleeps–remember that you are not alone either!
School Aged Children
If you have school aged children, the responsibilities that come with parenting them are different than those of younger kids. Once your child is in middle or high school, they may be more independent. However, there’s a new set of challenges to look out for as well. One thing to keep an eye on is accommodating them at their extracurricular activities such as going and seeing plays, concerts etc., which might not always work very well if it isn’t accessible by wheelchair users like yourself.
Having foresight to call and make sure you have all the details, can save a lot of trouble. If you know in advance where accessible entrances and seating are, it will be easier for your child without disabilities to enjoy their time at an event with their parent who has one or more disability.
Some parents of children with disabilities worry that the disability will affect their kid’s life. How will they be seen by others? Will it take away from childhood fun and adventures? This can often lead to kids feeling like a burden, so make sure you let them know how much they mean! Build up memories for both of you before your child becomes an adult.
