Changes in your family
Whatever your family situation, chances are things have changed since your parent had their brain injury. Changes can vary throughout different stages of your parent’s recovery.
Are any of these changes occurring in your life?
- Your relationship with your special person is different
(they may be preoccupied with getting better and not understand how their injury has impacted on you)
- Your relationship with your uninjured parent has changed
(they may be juggling being at hospital and at home with you)
- You’re doing more jobs at home
(Are you cooking more? Doing more chores? Looking after your siblings?)
- Your routines have changed
(Are you going to bed later? Are you getting to sport? Are you balancing being at home and at the hospital?)
- Who looks after you is different
(Are family or friends coming over to help look after you? Are different people taking you to school?)
- Your household finances are less
(Are you eating out less? Are activities difficult to pay for?)
It’s important to talk amongst your family if you feel you are taking on too much. Try to remember that everyone is adjusting to a new way of life, just like you. Sometimes these changes last a short time, sometimes they can go on for longer.
When talking to each other, here are some things to consider:
- If you’re the eldest child, your brothers or sisters may look to you for support. Help them as much as you can. It’s ok to let them know that you’re having a tough time too. Consider how you could all talk to your parent(s) about what you’re going through
- If you are looking to your older brother or sister for support, tell them what you’re going through. They can help but won’t have all the answers.
- Your well parent may be going through some stress. They may be more irritable or not able to give you as much attention. They are no doubt trying hard to be everything to everyone. Cuddles can say as much as words so try to reach out to them in any way you feel comfortable.
