Having a child with spina bifida is a real challenge for both the little one and the parents themselves. A child without health problems is pure energy and they show at all times a great interest in knowing everything that surrounds them.
In the case of spina bifida it is the opposite and it is the parents who should help their children to be able to develop and explore everything that surrounds them.
Help to be independent
The first subject for a parent who has a child with such a problem is to encourage within their possibilities the most active as well as independent. For this you can take note of the following guidelines:
- You have to sit with the child and teach him as much as possible about spina bifida.
- You have to ask him to help in different daily tasks as may be the case of picking up their toys.
- Teach him at all times to take decisions.
Although on many occasions the child will need the help of his father, you have to stop and trust that he is able to perform a task without any help. With this, the little one can feel that he is absolutely capable of carrying out some other task alone and strengthening both his confidence and his self-esteem.
Mobility problems
Each child who suffers from this disease is different from each other and their symptoms vary quite a bit. When it comes to moving, there are children with spina bifida who can walk without any help while there are others who need wheelchairs or crutches.
If they have spina bifida near the head they will need a wheelchair to be able to move around while if they have it in the lower area of the spine, They have greater mobility in the legs and can walk alone. The work of a physio is key in helping the child to have more strength and mobility in the legs.
Sphincter control
One of the problems that children with spina bifida have is that it is difficult for them to control their sphincters. In most cases, a tube or catheter is inserted into the bladder to make urinating much easier and easier. The diet It is also important since it is usually rich in fiber so that they do not have intestinal problems.
Problems in the skin
Children with spina bifida often have serious skin problems as is the case with sores, corns or blisters. They usually appear in the area of the feet or ankles and many times the child does not usually realize it since they barely have sensitivity in the lower area of their body. It is the parents' job to continually check their child's skin for any blisters or sores on their body.
Check your health
If your child has such a problem it is very important to monitor his health either through a pediatrician or family doctor. It is essential to carry out a series of controls that allow us to know that the child is in perfect condition. In addition, the child must be examined by various specialists like an orthopedist, urologist, or neurosurgeon.
Security
Safety is essential for all children with spina bifida. These are children who are at high risk of injury and abuse. That is why parents should sit next to their child and let you know what to do in case they feel threatened by someone else.
Having a child with spina bifida is a real challenge for parents, since it is a minor who needs twice as much care as another healthy child. However, with perseverance and tenacity, you can raise and educate a child who suffers from such a health problem.