Raising a child with epilepsy: A developmental guide for parents
Raising a child with epilepsy can seem overwhelming, but with love, attention and encouragement, these children can live a fulfilling life. While there is no "one specific way" to raise a child with epilepsy, it is important to consider a few additional factors to support their development.
Infants (newborn - 18 months): Essential Milestones Support
At this stage, all children need parents to support them in feeding, walking and talking. For children with epilepsy, seizures can worry parents about reaching these milestones.
Challenge: Parents can try to do too much for their child, which can slow down their natural development.
Solution: Encourage your child's natural efforts to reach milestones without excessive intervention.
Tip: If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to a professional to help manage your child's developmental thoughts and emotions.
Toddlers (18 months - 3 years): Balancing protection and independence
This is a stage of exploring, climbing, talking and playing. It's normal for parents to be worried about their child's accidents, but when epilepsy is present, anxiety can increase.
Challenge: The tendency to limit a child's independence out of fear.
Solution: Allow your child to explore and become independent, but with proper supervision.
Tip: Educate caregivers about your child's special needs and managing seizures to promote safety and independence.
Preschool (3 - 5 years): Promoting creativity and rules
This is the stage of creative play and socialization. Parents should set clear rules, but give children the freedom to explore.
Challenge: Being overprotective or overly permissive can negatively influence a child's development.
Over-protective: the child becomes inhibited and fearful.
Excessive permissiveness: the child may develop difficulty managing emotions and behavior.
Solution: Set clear boundaries but provide opportunities to practice new skills safely.
Tip: Expose your child to a variety of social situations to help build their confidence.
Latency age (7 - 11 years): Self-esteem and success
Children in this age group need parents who promote their self-esteem through success and achievement. Social and extracurricular activities are essential.
Challenge: Parent's fear of allowing child to participate in activities due to seizures.
Solution: Give your child opportunities to try new things and develop skills, even if there are minor risks.
Tip: Explain the nature of seizures and encourage your child to discuss them with friends to reduce fear and stigmatization.
Adolescence (12-18 years): Support for independence
Adolescence is a transitional stage when young people strive to become independent and find their identity. For adolescents with epilepsy, managing seizures and integrating into social groups can be challenging.
Challenge: Teenagers may ignore safety measures to prove that they are 'normal' or they may become isolated because of their sense of difference.
Solution: Encourage safe activities and support open dialog about safety and responsibility.
Recommendation: Help the teen to form a peer support group that understands how to manage crises.
Tips for all ages:
Inform the child: Explain what epilepsy is and how to manage seizures, using age-appropriate language.
Create a supportive environment: Show acceptance of your child's crises and encourage them to accept their affection.
Work with specialists: Work closely with doctors, therapists and educators to ensure balanced development.
Support independence: Provide opportunities to learn and become independent, regardless of developmental stage.
Raising a child with epilepsy involves challenges, but with love, patience and the right support, these children can overcome barriers and live fulfilling lives. Each stage comes with its own lessons, and parents play a crucial role in preparing their child for an independent and happy adult life.
Latest medical review:
09.12.2024, Dr. Florina Mihaela Carpinschi - Specialist Physician