Talking to kids about accidents and disability

I came across this clip on youtube ... vintage Sesame Street and I just thought: what a great way to approach a potentially difficult subject and just chat about wheelchairs, handicaps and accidents.

-Stef

Fathering the disabled child

By Jules Adams and Mark Penhall

Witnessing the strength and tenacity of couples as they adjust to their new baby who has a disability, brings hope and sustenance to my work as a social worker. It has been my experience that often father’s feel pressured to return to work, and very often experience the grieving process differently to their partner.

A father recently told me "it’s like any other emotional response where men internalise it, while women tend to express verbally and more openly. It has been important for me, as our child will not be with us for much longer, to just enjoy her every day. At a personal level, the usual male caves of drinking and watching sport in small groups are tremendously therapeutic. For me, the close support of my wife (probably world champion mum!) family and friends has been invaluable. However, ultimately your own self belief gets you through difficult times, and especially when you realise that life will go on and that there are other people who rely on you for their basic needs."