Kay Harris Kriegsman and Sara Palmer: Just One of the Kids: Raising a Resilient Family When One of Your Children Has a Physical Disability

Excerpt

Hearing your child has been diagnosed with a physical disability is a life changing event that brings a multitude of emotions and challenges with it, as parents struggle to accept the realization of a “new normal”. Just One of the Kids is an encouraging, positive look at how families can provide a strong foundation to child with physical disabilities, which will allow them to learn how to function and thrive in a world that is not always inclusive of individuals facing physical challenges. Additionally, the book presents the importance of parents and other caregivers in practicing self-care and raising other children successfully. Co-authors Kay Kriegsman and Sara Palmer offer practical guidance gleaned not only from personal experience, but also from the wealth of knowledge gathered from many families who live with the challenges that physical disabilities present daily. Focusing on the ultimate goal of preparing children to become competent adults, this book acts as a guide for the journey that parents undertake, from the time they become aware of their child’s physical disability, through the coping mechanisms used on a daily basis, to the planning for their child’s productive, independent future. In addition to presenting various vignettes of families affected by physical disability, which are interspersed between the chapters and sections, this book also includes “tools” highlighted by icons, which provide practical information for parents and are easily located at a glance. …