Parent of Ill or Disabled Child

The Five Essential E’s When Your Child is Ill

January 30, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

A New DVD Offers Help and Hope for Parenting Children with Special Medical Needs Parents who have a child with a chronic illness or special medical condition are faced with some very difficult and special challenges. The creators of the popular Love and Logic parenting program have just released a new DVD to help parents learn how to encourage their children to solve their own problems, become more confident, and accept responsibility for their own healthcare. Lisa Greene, mother of two children with cystic fibrosis, spent many years learning how to deal with the special challenges of children who fight over food and medications. The new Parenting Children with Special Medical Needs DVD she created with Foster Cline, M.D., and Charles … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Books, Links, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, What's New? Tagged With: Bullying, Child, children with chronic conditions, children with illness, chronically ill child, Family, Home, kids in hospital, kids in the hospital, kids with cancer, Learning, Logic, Parent, parenting a special needs child, sick kids, when your child has a medical condition, when your child is chronically ill

AMC Theaters Offers Movie Times for Those with Sensory Sensitivities

January 12, 2012 By admin 2 Comments

I love movies. If I am watching a movie at home I feel like I need to be folding laundry or working or something. But sitting in a theater, I feel as though I am allowed (required even!) to sit in the dark and give it my full attention. Not everyone gets to enjoy this temporary getaway, however, when it is all a bit too much for your child's sense--or even your own. So I was thrilled to see that AMC Theaters and the Autism Society have teamed up to allow families who are affected by autism (or other disabilities--anyone qualifies) a chance to see movies in a environment that won't overload their senses. The idea for this program all started when one parent who had a child with autism asked for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Events, Our Best Tips, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, What's New? Tagged With: add, adhd, asperger's, Autism, Child, disabilities, Disabled, entetainment, movies, sensory integration disorders, sensory processing disorder, sid, spd, theater

Jolene Philo Shares About Her New Book (and free giveaway!) For Parents of Kids With Special Needs

January 12, 2012 By admin 5 Comments

with Lisa Copen I am so excited today to share with you about two books that are written by a mom who has both the professional credentials as well as the education of experience, Jolene Philo. Jolene joined us here at Rest Ministries in 2009 for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week to discuss the topic that many parents, including those with chronic illness, face on a daily basis-- "When Your Child is Chronically Ill". (This podcast is still available and an encouragement to many, so stop by and listen.) Jolene, thank you again for joining us here at Rest Ministries! Most people are not familiar with your story. Can you tell us a little about your own family? [Jolene:] When our beautiful newborn boy was transferred to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Books, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, What's New?

Find a Church That Understands Disabilities

January 4, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

If you are looking for a church that is more likely to understand your physical limitations, including illness, cancer, or disabilities, Joni and Friends is an excellent resource. This international Christian ministry has an updated list of churches around the USA who have shared their desire to create an environment that welcomes those who may be "differently-abled." To enter your zipcode into the search engine click here. You may also want to visit our HopeKeepers map to see if there is a church near you who has a HopeKeepers group that serves the chronically ill. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church Leader, Links, Need to Know, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: Christian Church, christian ministry, Christianity, Church, God, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, United States

5 Ways to Stop Discouragement From Getting the Best of You

November 22, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

By Leslie Vernick Discouragement and disappointment are normal emotions we all experience, even as Christians. Peter felt discouraged with himself when he realized that he wasn't as courageous as he thought he was, even though Jesus had warned him that he would deny him before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:31 and 74,75). We too can feel discouraged and even depressed when we fail to live up to our own or other's expectations. Job felt discouraged and frustrated with his friends. They didn't get it. Trying to be helpful, they only heaped more shame and blame on Job for his afflictions. We also can feel let down by our friends and family. They don't understand what we're going through or don't offer to help as we wish they would. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Fear, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: Anger, Chronic pain, coping skills, cronic pain, discouragement, Emotions, frustration, Illness, leslie vernick, leslievernick

I’m a Good Mom Because… Lisa’s (Very Edited) Quote In Parenting Magazine

May 6, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

My mom had flown down from Oregon to help me when I had a major spinal flare in March. Among the chaos, I received the email, "We received your submission to Parenting: The School Years magazine and would like to use it, even though we've already completed the article. We need a photo of you and your son ASAP!" I sent a few photos off, but they said the lighting wasn't good enough. So I brushed on some make up and hobbled out side with my son and said, "smile and look cute." Four photos later, Grammy had snapped a great one I zipped off. Next I received an email from the fact-checker. All looked fine. The end of April I began my hunt for Parenting: The School Years magazine. A sub-magazine of Parenting, it was impossible to find, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Founder's Blog, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, What's New? Tagged With: Chronic Illness, Family, Home, lisa copen, Mother, oregon, Parenting, parenting magazine, Rheumatoid arthritis

The Art of Balancing Motherhood and Chronic Illness

April 26, 2011 By admin 4 Comments

Motherhood and chronic illness. If these two words relate to your life, chances are they are enough to keep you busy indefinitely. They can easily become a large part of your identity, and they both fight for control over your energy, time, and some days, your sanity. I have been working on a book about living with a chronic illness and being a mom for a few years now. It's about 70 percent done, but something keeps getting in the way of finishing it. You know what kinds of things: motherhood and childhood. And the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. As I work on a chapter about the latest lessons I've discovered, my house tends to erupt in chaos and I feel tested again. Was it God trying to stretch me so the book would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adoption, Articles, Founder's Blog, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: Adoption, chronically ill mom, Family, God, Home, lisa copen, Little Gym, mom cancer, mom rheumatoid arthritis, mom with illness, Mother, motherhood, Parent, Pregnancy, pregnant and illness, Rest Ministries, Star Wars

Soul Surfer The Movie Releases 4/8; The Biography of Bethany Hamilton

March 14, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again. Based on the Bethany Hamilton bio, the Soul Surfer movie has already inspired millions of people worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The biography of Bethany Hamilton is pretty amazing: Soul Surfer casting is an all-star team, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. The Soul Surfer movie release date is April 8th. You can find out more details at the Soul Surfer IMBD web site, or www.bethanyhamilton.com , or read the biography of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Attitude, Church Leader, Events, Links, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, Teen w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: AnnaSophia Robb, Bethany Hamilton, bethany hamilton bio, bethany hamilton books, biography of bethany hamilton, Carrie Underwood, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Jesus Christ, pics of bethany hamilton, Shark attack, Soul Surfer, Soul Surfer book, Soul Surfer casting, soul surfer movie, soul surfer movie release date, soul surfer the movie, www.bethanyhamilton.com

How Can I Get Kids Out The Door To School When I Can Barely Move?

January 24, 2011 By admin 2 Comments

My husband used to take care of the kids in the mornings because I have a hard time with mornings. But he works the third shift now and I now have two children in school. I have to wake up at 6:30 after little or no sleep and have the kids on the bus by 7:30 a.m. It is becoming increasingly difficult and I keep waking up later and later. This makes it harder because then I have to get them both ready in less time. Sometimes they balk. One is an occasional bed wetter, which makes it worse each morning. So far I have managed to get them to the bus each morning on time. But, I know it is just a matter of time that they miss the bus on my account. I really need prayers. Karlynné Hi, Karlynné, First I have to confess that my husband … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Founder's Blog, Help! Q/A, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, What's New? Tagged With: Alarm clock, Caregiving, Child, co-parenting, disabled mom, Every Sunday, explaining cancer to kids, explaining illness to children, Family, getting kids ready for school, getting out of house in morning on time, Health, Home, mom with disability, organizing kids, Parent, parenting when chronically ill, parenting when ill, Shopping, Windows

Writing Brings Healing to the Soul

July 26, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

By Lisa Saunders, Special Guest Writer The moment I gave birth to my daughter Elizabeth in December of 1989, I felt a stab of fear—her head was so small, so deformed. Within 12 hours, I was told she had been profoundly disabled by congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus). The neonatologist said, “If she lives, she will never roll over, sit up, or feed herself.” He was right. Writing (& Scripture) was how I dealt with my initial shock & grief--organizing my thoughts of despair by getting them down on paper stopped them from endlessly swirling around & overwhelming me. Getting my revelations & stories inspired by Elizabeth published made me feel less alone as I connected with others. Sharing my story with others not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Our Best Tips, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, Parents of Adult Children Tagged With: Arts, Cytomegalovirus, E-book, Lisa Saunders, Non-fiction, Online Writing, Publishing, Writer, Writers Resources, Writing

Breakfast on Your Body –Without the Calories

June 3, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

So this woman I know, who shall remain nameless to keep her dignity (hi, mom!) has always sworn on her mother's advice to wrap raw bacon around a toe that is starting to get an ingrown toe nail. Evidently the fat of the bacon will pull out the infection. I have to admit, I've seen it work. . . But for those of us with not-so-hot immune systems, I wouldn't recommend putting a piece of bacon on your toe. (Nor leaving it in your sock, where your dog can pull it out & eat it & have to go to the vet &. . . well, that's a whole other story). But look what we found as a humorous alternative? Bacon & egg b&ages! Yeah, we know this post likely won't help you grow in great depths spiritually, but we hope it brings a smile to your face. We can … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Joy, Links, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, Silly Stuff, What's New? Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Arts, Healing, Literature

The Hero

May 22, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

By Rhonda Clark Her days are filled with poking & prodding. Doctors & nurses keep a watchful eye over our little darling as they adjust & administer medications. Every moment her tiny heart beats is one more moment we have with her. My days are filled with learning hospital jargon as I sit in the brightly painted rocking chair near my daughter's NICU bed. Today, I get to hold her but only for a brief time. She's so tiny, frail, & weak. Her six-week-old body has survived one surgery, & only God knows how many more will be required to mend her malformed heart. The God-given talents of special surgeons will make her heart right. The second surgery will happen as soon as the doctors believe she can h&le it. We call her Faith because we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Parenting, Reflection, What's New? Tagged With: Beth Moore, Chonda Pierce, chronically ill child, Clorox, Elizabeth, Family, Gabriel, Gatorade, Home, Jigsaw puzzle, Joseph, Marriage at Cana, Parenting, Pine Sol, Wear, Worry, Zechariah