Finding Strength in Parenting a Child with Cerebral Palsy

By Melissa Parker

2023-08-229 min

Cerebral Palsy

When our son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it felt like the world came to a standstill. We were thrown into a world of medical appointments, therapy sessions, and adaptive equipment, but over time, we’ve learned that this diagnosis doesn’t define him or our family. One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of focusing on what our child can do, not what he can’t. Our son is incredibly resilient, and with physical therapy, he’s made significant progress. We’ve also had to adapt our home to make it more accessible, using tools like ramps and special seating. It’s been a learning curve, but each small victory reminds us how far he’s come. We’ve built a support system that includes his therapists, teachers, and other parents who understand our journey. Advocating for him at school has been critical in ensuring he receives the accommodations he needs. In this blog, I share the ups and downs of parenting a child with cerebral palsy, along with practical advice on navigating healthcare systems, advocating for your child, and finding joy in the little moments.