Ways To Be More Involved With The Care Of Your Special Needs Child And Protecting Your Family

Fathers Corner

Be Knowledgeable

There is a rare psychological disorder called Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy, or MSBP, where a caregiver, usually the mother, will fabricate or inflict illness on her child to gain attention. This questionable disorder was brought to light as a new form of child abuse by Englishman, Roy Meadow in 1977. Since then it has been increasingly used as an easy "out" for doctors when they become frustrated with an assertive mother or a perplexing diagnosis.

Since the disorder is mainly associated with mothers, it is imperative for a father to be actively involved with his child's care. It is important if you and your family are dealing with a misunderstood disease or complicated diagnosis that you realize that the mother of your children may be a target for false allegations. It is in your family's best interest to protect them, before it's too late.

Be Involved

      Know your child's medical history just as well, if not better than, your wife. Do your best to be the one to report it to the physicians. Don't allow your wife to bear sole responsibility for this.

      Know your child's medical records just as well, if not better than, your wife. Don't allow your wife to bear sole responsibility for this.

      Do your best to attend doctor appointments with your wife. Even better, attend doctor appointments with your child by yourself, whenever possible.

     Take the lead in questioning physicians about the care and treatment of your child. Don't allow your wife to bear sole responsibility for this.

      When your child is in the hospital, share in the care giving by staying with him or her instead of your wife, whenever possible.

      Do your best to be included in every medical decision regarding your child, no matter how trivial the decision at hand may seem.

Be A Great Dad

Having a disabled or chronically ill child requires every individual in the family to evolve into so much more. The children evolve into accepting young people with a better understanding of differences; the mother evolves into a substitute therapist, nurse and sometimes even a doctor. As a father of a special needs child, your life and position in the family must evolve as well.

It is important to not just be medically involved with your child but physically involved as well. Participate in therapy, favorite activities, and nighttime routines. This will help you bond more closely with your special needs child, which for most men is very difficult. By being more involved in the aspects of caring for your child, you are not only benefiting yourself, you are also helping your wife! Mothers of special needs children become very emotionally and physically drained with the amount of responsibility (right or wrong) that is placed upon them. When you have a husband who is actively involved, the stress and sense of overwhelming responsibility is lessened-and that benefits the entire family!

Being a Great Dad means . . .

    Being aware of the risks that face your family

    Being involved medically and physically with the care of your special needs child

    Sharing the responsibility with your wife

For More Information About Us Contact:

Jonah & The Whale Foundation, INC.
P.O. Box 981

Mars PA 16046-0981
Telephone: 1-877-49-JONAH (56624)
Fax: 724-772-4998

Email: info@jtwf.org