Parent Warriors

WOW, I can’t believe Christmas is approaching and it’s almost the end of the year!

Christmas for me is all about family, so this month’s podcast topic is focusing on the challenges, dynamics and joys of family life with chronic illness.

Being a parent is a challenge in itself, let alone with the added component of chronic illness, and as I reflect on my experience of raising my now 20 year old son, I think about the thoughts and feelings I went through - and often still go through even though he’s an adult - about my parenting and the impact of my conditions on my child.

Guilt, failure, unworthiness, anger and fear counter–balanced by love, joy, hope, pride and accomplishment; a brief overview of my experience.

If you’re interested in knowing more about that journey, you can read about it in my book BrOKen available here BROKEN THE BOOK | Chronic Warriors (cassandraacampbell.com)

For many with chronic illness, the thought of becoming a parent is daunting and there are obviously a number of things to consider in regards to the impact on ourselves and our child. From pregnancy and labour to having the mental, emotional and physical capacity to raise a child, there’s so much to do and so much to think about which evokes a lot of ‘what ifs’.

What if it makes my condition worse?

What if I can’t do this or that?

What if he/she resents me?

It’s good to research how having a child and being a parent may affect you, but it’s also important to remember that everyone has a different experience and what might have been a challenging experience for some may be wonderful for others.

At the same time, I think it’s helpful to hear how others are facing the challenges and enjoying the blessings of parenthood.

With that in mind, in this month’s episodes I spoke with a single mum and a couple who are new parents to find out how they are coping with the topsy turvy world of parenting and chronic illness.

Part 1 Sunday 12th December with Katy Owings

Part 2 Sunday 26th December with Tim and Helen Cawley