Raising a child who can’t express what’s wrong can be a difficult and emotionally draining experience. The unpredictability and uncertainty of such a situation can often lead to feelings of helplessness. However, there are things you can do to provide the best care for your child’s health. This blog post provides 7 essential tips for looking after a child who can’t express what’s wrong. From finding help at odd hours to developing your own unique communication, these tips can help you take care of your child’s needs and mental well-being.
1) Uncertainty is normal
As a parent, it can be very stressful when you cannot figure out what is wrong with your child. You might feel like you are out of control and unable to help them. It is important to remember that this feeling of uncertainty is normal, and it is okay to not know the answers all of the time. Even the most experienced parents go through times of uncertainty, and it is part of parenting.
2) God will give you patience
There is hope, no matter how difficult it can be to take care of a child who can’t express what is wrong. God will give you the patience and strength you need to make it through the uncertain moments. The way He does this is by giving us the grace and courage to look after our child without breaking down. He provides a level of understanding that no one else can. He gives us peace in the midst of chaos and hope in times of distress.
God also gives us the strength to keep going when we feel like throwing in the towel. He will give you the courage to face any challenge that comes your way.
3) You’re not alone
No one expects you to be an expert at parenting. Thankfully, there are people who have been in your shoes and can provide help and advice.
Experienced parents can be a source of support and insight when looking after a young child. They can tell you about their own experiences and offer valuable advice on how to handle challenging situations. So if you haven’t already, you may want to look for your local mum community. Mums can not only help each other, but they can also provide the guidance to need to stay calm.
4) Reach out for help
After-hours care can be extremely beneficial when looking after a young child who can’t express what’s wrong. It provides comfort for both the parent and child, knowing that help is only a call away. It is no surprise that pediatric urgent care services are so busy. They help new parents safely navigate the health hurdles of having young or nonverbal children. Besides, your doctor or pediatrician may be able to provide assistance at any time of the day or night, so take advantage of this resource. Ask your doctor about any additional resources available in your area that could help you in times of need.
5) Learning as you go
Raising a young child who can’t express what’s wrong can be a stressful and daunting task. But, as any experienced parent knows, with each challenge comes the opportunity to learn more about how to care for your little one. With time and effort, you can become more knowledgeable and relaxed in your approach.
One way to learn more about how to care for your child is to keep track of their reactions. This means writing down when certain events happen, like if they are crying or having difficulty sleeping, so you can look for patterns and connections.
6) Developing your own communication style
There are some ways that you and your child can find ways to communicate.
First, observe and learn from your child. Your child may not be able to verbally tell you what they are feeling or need, but they will still be communicating non-verbally in their own way.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. There are many different techniques that you can use to help your child communicate more effectively. For example, you could use visual aids such as flashcards or symbols to give your child the opportunity to express themselves.
7) Have hope
As a parent of a child who can’t express what is wrong, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But it’s important to remember that there is hope. There are many ways to help your child, and the situation may not always seem so bleak. Believe that things will get better for your child and yourself.
Whether you are looking after a nonverbal child or a young child who can’t yet express themselves, every health issue can feel overwhelming. However, these hurdles on the parenting path are not insurmountable mountains. They are part of your journey and be assured that help is here for you too.
This is a contributed post.