Mother and daughter help children cope with stroke
A South Australian mother and daughter have joined creative forces to help young people impacted by stroke.
17-year-old Anthea Wills and her mother Marie have made a booklet, helping children and teenagers understand what happens when a parent or loved one has a stroke. It is a cause close to the duo’s heart after father-of-five and husband David had a severe stroke in the Wills’ family’s Craigmore home in September 2010.
Anthea was just five at the time when she and her siblings were told to say their final goodbyes.
“I knew it was something serious because we had to go to hospital regularly. It didn’t hit me until I was older when I noticed how deeply it affected our family.”
David survived and while he is still recovering and doesn’t have the use of his left hand, he is employed and working part-time. Anthea wanted to do something to help other children who might be struggling to comprehend what is happening during what can be a frightening and traumatizing experience.
“I did this because of my own personal experience and the lack of resources available to the family at the time. I want kids in the same situation as me to know that even if you don’t understand what’s going on, you’ll be okay.”
Anthea wrote the words and Marie illustrated the booklet. Marie says it has been rewarding to work with her daughter on a project that she knows will help others.
“It is designed to be an interactive booklet and provides a starting point for a child to explore ideas and emotions. This is something Anthea wishes she had access to when her dad had his stroke.”
Stroke Foundation National Manager StrokeConnect Information, Jude Czerenkowski, says the impacts of stroke have a ripple effect.
“Strokes not only have an impact on the person having a stroke, but they also affect those around them like family, friends and colleagues. They can sometimes be traumatic events particularly for children and young people.”
Ms Czerenkowski says children will cope differently after a family member’s stroke.
“Your children will need your support and guidance during this tough time. The parenting skills you already have will help, but there are strategies that can assist. These include, talking about what is happening, being guided by a child’s wishes about visiting hospital, seeking help from family and friends, and trying to maintain a routine.”
Stroke Foundation has several resources to assist stroke survivors, their family and carers. This includes a factsheet on supporting children after a family member’s stroke and StrokeLine – a free and confidential advice line that helps survivors their family and carers find support and services.
More information on help after stroke can be found here
Click here for a link to the booklet