Dos and Don’ts When a Child Gets a New Diagnosis
Providing a Helping Hand for Special Needs Children and Families.
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and when your child receives a diagnosis of special medical needs, it can bring a mix of emotions and challenges. Below we list the dos and don’ts when a child gets a new diagnosis.
Dos
1. Do Take Your Time to Process: Allow yourself to feel and process the emotions that come with the diagnosis. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, or even angry.
2. Do Seek Support: Reach out to family, friends, support groups, or a counselor. Connecting with others who understand can provide immense comfort. We have a Facebook Support group you can join here.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about your child’s condition through reputable sources. Knowledge is empowering and can help you make informed decisions.
4. Do Keep Organized Records: Maintain a binder or digital folder with all medical records, test results, and correspondence with healthcare providers.
5. Do Focus on Your Child’s Strengths: Celebrate your child’s unique abilities and accomplishments. A positive outlook can make a significant difference.
6. Do Establish a Care Team: Work with healthcare providers to assemble a team of specialists who are experienced in treating your child’s condition.
Don’ts
1.Don’t Blame Yourself: It’s natural to feel guilt, but remember that you are not at fault. Focus on what you can do moving forward.
2. Don’t Isolate Yourself: Avoid withdrawing from social interactions. Isolation can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
3. Don’t Rush Decisions: Take the necessary time to understand treatment options and make decisions that are best for your child and family.
4. Don’t Overlook Self-Care: Caring for a child with special medical needs is demanding. Prioritize your own health and well-being to stay strong for your child.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: Whether it’s professional advice or assistance from loved ones, don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it.
Why should my child go to Tender Care PPEC?
Tender Care PPEC provides care for medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. We are the first independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have an abundance of experience and knowledge in providing loving care to this special pediatric population. We have 6 Tender Care PPEC centers throughout Florida, with our newest facility located in Lake Park.
Our goal is to enhance the development of each child through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential. We also offer transportation at no cost and provide nutritious meals throughout the day.
What sets us apart is that we care for and treat every child like family. We have passion in our hearts for our children and a desire to see them succeed.
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*This is not medical advice, always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle.