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Cover image of Just One of the Kids
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Just One of the Kids

Raising a Resilient Family When One of Your Children Has a Physical Disability

Kay Harris Kriegsman, Ph.D., and Sara Palmer, Ph.D.

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Supporting and encouraging all members of the family when a child has a physical disability.

If you have a child with a physical disability, how can you plan your family’s life in a way that is inclusive for everyone? What can you do to create a family where every member pulls his or her own weight (in appropriate measure), meets challenges, and has moments in the spotlight along the way? Most parents of a child who has a physical disability want their child to have fun, be responsible, make friends, and take acceptable risks—in short, to feel like "just one of the kids"—and they want to make...

Supporting and encouraging all members of the family when a child has a physical disability.

If you have a child with a physical disability, how can you plan your family’s life in a way that is inclusive for everyone? What can you do to create a family where every member pulls his or her own weight (in appropriate measure), meets challenges, and has moments in the spotlight along the way? Most parents of a child who has a physical disability want their child to have fun, be responsible, make friends, and take acceptable risks—in short, to feel like "just one of the kids"—and they want to make sure that the needs of the whole family are met, too.

Just One of the Kids is designed to help parents focus not on what could have been but instead on what can be, so that they, their children, and the grandparents thrive as individuals and as a family. The advice from psychologists Kay Harris Kriegsman and Sara Palmer is valuable for any family with children who have a physical disability, from any cause. Their warm and encouraging book is full of family stories, tips, and tools.

Parents of children with physical disabilities can help them develop the skills needed to meet life’s challenges and launch into independence. Parents, building on that foundation and acknowledging each person’s contributions, interests, and aspirations, create an inclusive and resilient family.

Reviews

Reviews

The authors show families how to be pragmatic and inclusive when solving problems and setting expectations. The real family stories and personal experiences of the authors, one of whom has such a disability, create an intimate and nonjudgmental tone with a degree of optimism that parents are likely to appreciate. A valuable resource for families looking for encouragement as they try to create an inclusive environment for their child with a physical disability.

I would highly recommend Just One of the Kids: Raising a Resilient Family When One of Your Children Has a Physical Disability as an addition to the library of any family that includes a child with a physical disability, as well as being a valuable resource to grandparents, extended family members, friends, and health care professionals who are part of this community.

This book is ideal for any parents or carers who are caring for children with physical disabilities.

The unique perspective shared by families represented in Just One of the Kids reflects our mission to support individuals to live healthy, independent lives. The book will be a valuable resource for our parent support groups and education conferences.

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About

Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
240
ISBN
9781421409313
Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: Raising Children—Resilient and Ready for Adulthood
Part I: In the Beginning
The Webers: A young family juggles the needs of twin boys, one with and one without a physical disability

Preface
Introduction: Raising Children—Resilient and Ready for Adulthood
Part I: In the Beginning
The Webers: A young family juggles the needs of twin boys, one with and one without a physical disability
1. Getting the News
The Hamiltons: Raising teenagers in a blended family with humor, responsibility, and respect for differences
2. Coming Home
Part II: All in the Family
The Bowers: An athletic couple sort out what works for them in raising their only child, a serious student and accomplished wheelchair athlete
3. Inclusive Parenting: Make It Work for You
The Fishers: Parents working together to build family unity and protect their children while allowing them to take healthy risks
4. Brothers and Sisters: Siblings Sharing Family Life with Physical Disability in the Mix
The Brandons: A family devoted to faith, education, and unconditional love, inspired by Grandfather's example and bolstered by his support
5. Grandparents: Seeing through a New Lens
Part III: Into the Wide World
The Sheridan-Wolfe Family: Two women build their family by adoptingchildren who have complex disabilities and helping them reach their potential
6. Opening Doors to Inclusion
The O'Briens: Parents working together to help their daughters develop individual talents, support one another, and practice their faith
7. Letting One Dream Go to Let Another Grow
Resources
Notes
Index

Author Bios
Kay Harris Kriegsman
Featured Contributor

Kay Harris Kriegsman, Ph.D.

Kay Harris Kriegsman, Ph.D., is a practicing psychologist, consultant on disability issues, and author of Taking Charge: Teenagers Talk About Life & Physical Disabilities.
Featured Contributor

Sara Palmer, PhD

Sara Palmer, PhD, is a psychologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the coauthor of Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living; When Your Spouse Has a Stroke: Caring for Your Partner, Yourself, and Your Relationship; and Just One of the Kids: Raising a Resilient Family When One of Your Children...