In Sickness and Health: The Impact of Crohn’s and Colitis on Our Kids
Have you ever wondered how your kid’s life might be different if you didn’t have a chronic illness?
- Would they be better adjusted?
- Would they be happier?
- Would their life be easier?
I wonder these same things all the time, but the truth is, an unaffected childhood isn’t my kids lot in life and it isn’t your kids either.
I’d venture to say that if your child had a choice, they wouldn’t have raised their hand to say, “Yes, please, please, can my mom have an incurable chronic illness?” What kid would?
But here’s the truth–we ARE moms with Crohn’s and colitis and the sooner we embrace (or at least, accept) that role with all the challenges it entails, the more peaceful we’ll be and the better off our kids will be too. I know what I’m saying is so much harder to do than just wishing for acceptance, but think about it for a moment. All that conflict and confusion we have when we’re first diagnosed… remember that? For me, it was a long, long, time ago. For you it may be more recent. It probably took a while to accept that this was your new normal, but when you did, I’ll bet it was almost cathartic.
Let’s call it transformational.
And if you’re not there yet, if you’re still grappling with the IBD word, it’s OK. We all need to be where we’re at, no judgement or shame. When you do come to that place though, trust me, your kids will feel the shift too.
No matter if you’ve come to a place of acceptance or you’re still coming to grips with IBD, we have to admit to ourselves that our kid’s lives have been and will continue to be affected by our diagnosis (maybe even long after they leave our home).
I’m going to play devil’s advocate though and tell you that it hasn’t all been bad. Sure, your child’s life might be different from others, but it’s different in not so pretty AND pretty good ways.
Just by the fact that you’re reading this, I know that you’re a mom who strives to be the best mom you can be. That’s what we’re all about here at Gut Love. And if you want to be the mom you always dreamed you’d be, you can’t help but wonder how your offspring have been affected by your IBD – in every way imaginable.
Throughout this month, our focus is all about Crohn’s, colitis and the family: your kids, your spouse, your extended family… they’re all impacted by this roller coaster we’re on.
Check out my latest video. It’s video # 1 in this series: In Sickness and Health: Snapshot of a Crohn’s and Colitis Family
In this video, it’s all about How Crohn’s and Colitis Impacts Your Kids
Let’s tackle this together: the pretty and the not so pretty of raising a kid while dealing with Crohn’s and colitis.
So, how’d it go? It’s always my goal for you to walk away feeling like you’re ready to take action.
If you’ve got questions, know that I’m here.
Get in touch on Facebook or Instagram. You can also talk with me privately by email at hello@karynhaley.com
If these gut healing tips were valuable for you, why not make it a habit? Join other moms working to balance motherhood with gut struggles in our Gut Love Community for Moms.
It’s a FREE and FABULOUS place for you mom friend, when you’re ready to move beyond medicine and get support and encouragement on your journey to be the mom you always dreamed you’d be!
Every time a new blog comes out, you’ll hear about it first. Plus, our community offers you a safe place to:
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- Share with other moms who actually get what it’s like to be a mom with Crohn’s or colitis
- Get access to free trainings and specials only offered in our community
- Discover gut healing recipes that your whole family will enjoy
- Get your burning questions answered on how to best heal naturally from Crohns and colitis
See you in our community!!