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Is there anyone else on here who is parenting young children while also dealing with fibromyalgia? I have 4 young children and am looking to connect with others who are trying to raise kids through fibro flares.
@A MyFibroTeam Member I have five kids plus all the neighborhood kids and all the friends. I've lived in chronic pain with a multitude of symptoms for over 20 years. I've had to raise my kids to be very independent and helpful due to my flare ups. Bought foods they could get themselves if I'm struggling to move. They band together and look out for each other on my really bad flare-ups. And I do the best I can on those days. I've had to struggle with a lot of guilt and shame over it. It takes a toll on us all in different ways. If you need anything or just someone to talk to, I'm here. 💜
@A MyFibroTeam Member
I was a single parent with my three children. I was very active then in spite of my pain. I used to be a runner and I was taught to ignore the pain and running released endorphins to help me cope with the pain. A lot of times it was hard especially when I was ill but I always had at least one neighbor who cared and would bring us meals when I was sick. That helped a lot. Try to connect with others so that when you need help they will hopefully be there for you. Sometimes I would feel so tired that I would be annoyed with visitors and want to be by myself. That is normal with fibromyalgia because we get worn out a lot just trying to keep up a conversation with someone. You can teach your young ones to help out if you share with them your struggles and you will be surprised at how they can help you out. There were times when I would take my kids and nephews to Chuck E. Cheese so that they could play in the balls while I chilled. NikolHuston above has some great ideas too.
Take care,
Laura
I’m Mum to a seven year old who’s been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I feel the guilt too when I can’t do things for him and I can’t be that fun parent that roughhouses with him. I curse when the fibro fog and aches descend on a Saturday or Sunday because that takes things away from him. When it does, we turn on the TV or play Sonic the Hedgehog together. You’ve got to do what you can do
I've had 5 kids my youngesr now being 14 but I've kinda be this way (not as bad as now) since he was born. My kids know I can't do it all anymore and have to chose how I can spend my energy, they understand I need help occasionally with every day things... They learnt that at an early age. I feel the guilt because they haven't had a carefree childhood like most their friends but they know id do anything to change it. Before I would try hide wot was happening, push through the pain but I realise by doing that I made things harder for myself and my family. Be kind to urself, involve ur children as much as you can, educate them on invisible illnesses and ur limitations. It's hard, very hard but do wot u can when u can and rest when u need to rest 💜 u got this lovely
I have talked with my children (ages 5-9) about my fibromyalgia and they can tell when I'm having a high pain day and seem to understand it well for their ages. I am a homeschool mom so they are with me more often than not. They definitely help out and do age appropriate chores around the house. It's the guilt that I'm unlike other moms and I run out of energy quickly or am just unable to do certain things that really gets to me. I definitely have good routines with my kids and a good schedule which oddly seems to make a big difference. I more need someone to talk to who understands the struggles of raising kids while dealing with fibro bc my friends don't understand and it's hard to talk about with them and my husband is living this with me. This is a great support group and I'm thankful I found it.
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