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Mild Cerebral Palsy
Q: I have a son with mild Cerebral Palsy -- is there any support from parents who have the same problem? He is very mild but I am worried that he'll be made fun of. I want to be very protective, and sometimes I think I am too protective. He is very easy going, and sometimes it doesn't even faze him. More so me. I just want to pound on anyone that says the wrong thing to him... do you have any advice??? He is in the 1st grade so I don't think there is too much too worry about now, but I know how cruel kids can be as they get older. I am so thankful that I have him; it has made me grow up in ways you'll never know. But sometimes I wish I had other parents to talk to ..... I have found a few but, those I do find are much more severe. I am thankful for that too, but there has to be parents like me with kids not so severe but still are mild........
A: I can understand your desire to share with other parents in similar circumstances. I would suggest calling your local or regional CP headquarters and explaining your needs to them just as articulately as you did to me. I would also cruise the Internet to find parents in similar situations. I would also call the nearest children's hospital and ask to talk to their Social Work Department; they may know of existing groups and/or parents whom you can contact.
I am sure your son will move through life and establish a strong identity for himself, with his Mother lending him her support and love throughout. Good luck in your search.
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Carleton Kendrick has been in private practice as a family therapist and has worked as a consultant for more than 20 years. He has conducted parenting seminars on topics ranging from how to discipline toddlers to how to stay connected with teenagers. Kendrick has appeared as an expert on national broadcast media such as CBS, Fox Television Network, Cable News Network, CNBC, PBS, and National Public Radio. In addition, he's been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, USA Today, Reader's Digest, BusinessWeek, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and many other publications.
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