Find Support
Join other grandparents of children who have hemiplegia at our CHASA Grandparents Facebook Group.
Tips for Grandparenting a Child with Hemiplegia
- Follow your child’s lead. They may or may not want to talk about the child’s condition and this will possibly change over time.
- Ask how your child would like for you to help.
- Inform yourself about the condition, but remember a label doesn’t really define the child.
- Attend a conference or support group meeting with your child if they’re open to this. Or, volunteer to babysit so they can attend.
- Don’t place blame or judge. Parents often already feel guilty and most likely they did nothing that caused the disability.
- Spend time with your grandchild.
- Babysit so parents can have some couple and alone time.
- Realize that parents may be under a great deal of stress and may not cope as you would like for them to cope – be understanding.
- Pay attention to laws regarding financial assistance. If parents have set up a trust, consult with a attorney before giving any money directly to your grandchild, since this may prevent them from receiving government assistance.
- Remember – child first – disability second.
Other Resources
Grandparent to Grandparent Program – Minnesota
