When Parenting is Akin to Climbing Mt. Everest or All Mountains in Any Mountain Chain

Posted by Jeannie Delahunt Feb 17, 2009

Parents who are coping with eating disorders, or some other mental health condition, or a disability or whatever it happens to be that is outside the norm, need help. Their best source of help is one another. When they present a committed, solid front, their example is strongly felt by their kids and will later be appreciated, at least, that has been my experience when I was an active counselor.

Parents divided hurt their kids. Kids look to their parents for security and answers and role modeling. When the parents are not on the same page with one another, the kids see that as a weakness and will seek to make it even weaker. Add an eating disorder, or a drug addiction, or a disability and divide and conquer can become the name of the game.

Trials can bring people closer or drive them apart. Any obstacle is easier to face when it is not faced alone. My heart goes out to parents.

I especially appeal to parents who are divided. For the sake of your kids, try to work together, even if you are not in complete agreement with one another, especially when there is an eating disorder or an addiction within the family unit.

Try to keep an open mind. Submit yourself to education. Participate in the treatment suggestions of the professionals. By your example, you will be showing your affected kiddo that you have courage and are not afraid to tackle the unknown. You will lead by example. Oh, the results might not be readily visible, but, down the line, you will see or hear the result.

I ask any parents out there who are reading, please offer suggestions or make comments. You will be helping someone else, I am sure, especially if your spouse has not been on the same page. How did you handle it? How have you been coping?

From the core of my heart, I believe parenthood is one of the most awesome, fearsome, responsibilities any human can shoulder.

To all, never give up! Don't lose heart! God Bless! Jeannie