ARTICLES / Caregiver /
Children as Caregivers/
Other Articles
Share This Article
Children as Caregivers
Escape behaviors come into play when the
child has to devote a large amount of time providing
care for the ill or disabled person, or is having
difficulty coping with the change in role. A means of
coping, these avoidance behaviors serve to de-stimulate
the child and insulate them from their feelings. By
changing their role from “caregiver” to one of “member
of the household,” there is no need for avoidance of
what could be an intensely emotional situation. Though
normal self-isolation behaviors may occur, they are less
likely to be in response to feelings of stress related
to the illness or disability.
Children are affected by illness in the household, just
as it affects others in the home. When young people are
put into the role of caregiver, there can develop a
role-conflict and changing dynamic in the parent-child
relationship that can manifest itself in both emotional
and physical ways. Understanding the effects of this
situation, the grief associated with the change in the
home environment, and the stress response in the child
can aid in making changes in the expectations of
children in this setting, and help them cope and respond
in a more positive and age-appropriate manner to this
unique and challenging situation. Joel and Scott agree
with this. How do I know? I am their mother; I have
fibromyalgia and I had a stroke at the age of 37.
LeAne Austin is a freelance writer
and has been a caregiver for her mother for the past
seven years.
Printable Version
|
|
|
