Parenting is often difficult. At times, it can be made even more difficult for those in wheelchairs. There’s no need to worry, though, as it’s far from an impossible job. Despite being in a wheelchair, you can still be an amazing parent, providing your children with the best possible upbringing. Along the way, there might be a few small restrictions, but nothing that will affect the bigger picture.
With that said, here’s a closer look at some tips and tricks that will help you to parent from a wheelchair, whether you have a temporary illness or long-term mobility issues.
Invest in a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV)
As a parent, you’ll likely be doing a lot of driving. If not, your partner will be doing it.
Remember, people in wheelchairs can still drive as normal. The only difference is that they need to use a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV).
In a nutshell, a WAV is a wheelchair-friendly car that makes entering and exiting easy for those in wheelchairs.
Typically, WAVs are affordable for the average person. You can save even more money by purchasing one of the used wav vehicles from allied mobility.
When you finally have your WAV, you’ll be able to do all the typical parenting journeys, from dropping your kids off at school to taking them on weekend road trips.
Buy an Adaptive Stroller
If your children are still in the age range where they need a stroller, then it’s a good idea to buy an adaptive stroller that can be attached to your wheelchair. This way, when you go out in public, you can control the stroller as everyone else does, navigating it exactly where you want to go. You might be in a local park or doing some shopping – it doesn’t matter. With an adaptive stroller, you can take your child anywhere you like.
Join Local Support Groups
In your local area, there’s a good chance that you can join a support group specifically designed for parents with a disability.
Usually, support groups will hold weekly meetups, seminars, and much more. It’s a great opportunity to get access to lots of advice as well as meet new parents in the same boat as you.
Additionally, don’t forget that Facebook also has a ton of groups dedicated to parents in wheelchairs.
Use Additional Equipment
It’s very common for parents in wheelchairs to carry mobility equipment with them wherever they go.
A good example of this is a ‘mobility grabber’, which is a handy tool that you can use to grab items that are just out of reach. This type of equipment can be very useful for parents who deal with multiple children every day, as it’s common for toys, books, and all sorts of other things to be flying around.
Conclusion
You’ve now reached the end of the guide. Hopefully, the short list of tips and tricks discussed here will be a major help for you moving forward as you continue your parenting journey. Good luck.