October 28, 2022

Episode 188: Supporting Families of Children with a Medical Condition

36 minutes

Ronda Thorington is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing mental health treatment to children, families, and adults in various roles and settings. She began her career providing case management services to families impacted by HIV/AIDS in Baltimore, Maryland. After returning to her home state of Connecticut she spent several years working as a clinical therapist in a residential treatment facility for youth and then expanded her role to include that of clinical director of the facility’s crisis stabilization program. She currently runs a private practice in northern Connecticut which specializes in the treatment of children and families. Her passion is working with families impacted by life-changing medical diagnoses.

Her most important and fulfilling role is that of a wife and a mom to three beautiful children (now all teenagers) that provide her with endless laughs, a few gray hairs, and with whom life is never dull.

Listen to this insightful Whinypaluza episode with Ronda Thorington about how families can cope with and manage life with a child who has a life-altering medical condition, ad learn to live a new normal with meaning and joy.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The difference between therapy and coaching.

Life-changing medical diagnoses create challenges that have few avenues for support in the coaching realm. Parents need help getting out of crisis mode and into living.

Medical diagnoses can absolutely disrupt your life as a family. Finding a way to work around it and find your new normal requires some creativity and support.

For those who have newly diagnosed children, remember to take a breath, absorb the knowledge of what is happening and THEN create a plan forward. Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions you feel.

How to become an advocate for your child, so they have all the options and solutions that they are entitled to.

Advocacy means taking charge, understanding your child’s rights, and what your child needs, medically. Don’t be afraid to push and to speak up.

The parent is the most valuable expert in their child’s treatment. Having this awareness will add confidence in your ability to advocate for your child.

If you are feeling intimidated or unprepared, bring an advocate along with you to help.

Approach the school as a partnership, rather than in an adversarial way. Let them know how you can work together and what they can do to have an impact.

Research your support connections and get involved. Ask your specialists about support groups.

Feeling overwhelmed and unbuoyed is normal. Coaching can help focus you.

How parents can work with employers to accommodate their new family needs and time allocation.

Don’t be afraid to utilize Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Even if it is for hours at a time.

Children who have a life-altering medical condition can feel very isolated in their experience. How can you help them to cope and to normalize their reality.

It is very normal for a child to feel angry at their illness.

How to help kids live their lives in their new normal. How do they navigate their social interactions? How do they navigate activities and school?

Links Mentioned:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-child-was-diagnosed-with-a-life-changing-medical-conditionnow-what-tickets-441934486947?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Connect with Ronda:

Website https://www.rtparentcoach.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rtparentcoach/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rtparentcoach

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By Rebecca Greene

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