How to be a Supportive Partner loading...
Stay organized. You will have a lot of important documents, and information and it can cause unnecessary
stress if it is not organized. Get a system down early and have both of you know exactly how to access the
information you may need for your child.
There is a lot that goes into running a household, and even more work when raising a child who is struggling.
Distribute the work (financially, household tasks, parenting tasks, etc.) in a way that you both feel comfortable
with. Have an honest conversation about your expectations of each other so one of you does not feel like you
are doing anything alone.
When possible with your schedule make it a point for both parents to go to any and all doctors, therapy, and
any other services your child goes to. This shows a united front, but also it helps to get you both the most
accurate information about your child as possible. If you both go nobody will be hearing secondhand
information and you can ask any questions you may have. It is possible that telehealth can make this more
doable for your family.
Play to each other's strengths. Perhaps one parent is very good at keeping a level head and effectively
communicating with schools, doctors, etc. Allow that person to take more of a leadership role in meetings and
have the other parent back up what they are saying. Same thing for if one parent is better with technology,
maybe they can take on more of the research.
It is easy to feel like this is all happening to YOU. Remember this is happening to your partner too.
You cannot control anybody but yourself. You can't control how your partner reacts and what they do. Try and
let that need for control go. You cannot battle each other when you are battling other big things.
Be on the same page about what the diagnosis is, and what kind of treatment your child requires. If you
disagree about this research, ask questions, and seek more help until you are on the same page.
You Are a Team
How to Be a Supportive
Partner
Parents share their best tips for how to stay connected with your partner as
you navigate the challenges of raising
a child who is struggling.
Try not to be reactive to their reaction. Everyone experiences news differently, let them go through their
emotions without you reacting negatively to it.
Find the right services for your family. One dad, we spoke to mentioned finding the right therapist changed
everything for his family. "With his help, we got control of our house back."
Be thoughtful of when to have certain discussions. If you can see that your partner is under a lot of stress or
they are panicking about something comfort them and allow them to relax before bringing up difficult topics.
This is probably a different life path than you expected for yourself. Recognize that and discuss it with your
partner. Don't let that idea stay pent up, talk about it, and you will be more easily able to let go of any anger
you have about it.
Try not to take frustration from outside sources out on each other. Your partner is not at fault with anything
happening, they are in it with you.
You can't only talk to your partner. Have people outside of your immediate family who don't judge you. It is
important to have a place to vent and focus on something else.
Communication
Find a joint activity. Going on walks, watching a sports game, anything. Just something that you two can do
together when you have the time and also something you can talk about that isn't about your children.
Encourage your partner to take time for themselves now and then. If they have a hobby they enjoy, let them
know you think they should spend some time doing it and you will handle things at home during it.
The mental health of yourself, and your partner matter too. Do not let it be secondary, actively check in with
yourselves and each other and get any help you may need.
Cherish those happy moments, because they are there, but they go so fast. Be in the moment. Make things light
and fun when you can. If you have an activity the whole family enjoys make it a priority.
Fit in one-on-one time when it works for your family. One family we spoke to would go out for wings after their
parent support group meetings and after therapy sessions, this allowed them to talk about what they had just
discussed and plan a course of action before getting home to their children. It also became a social event for
them, and they got close with other parents from the group, other parents who understood their lives.
Maintain a Strong Foundation
How to Be a Supportive C  mo brindar apoyo a su pareja Partner  Parents sharepadres their bestcomparten tips for how tosus...
Communication Comunicaci  n   Hable, hable y hable un poco m  s. La comunicaci  n con los dem  s es clave. Enfatice el pon...