Having a Parent with MS

Do you have a parent, family member or friend with MS? The "Has your mum or dad got MS?" booklet discusses facts and feelings about multiple sclerosis.

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Download a copy of the booklet in pdf form: Has Your Mum or Dad Got MS?

We will never be able to know or understand the full impact felt by children who have a parent with MS. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, children are constantly growing, changing and developing. Secondly, MS is a chronic degenerative neurological disease: each day will bring different challenges to each person with MS. The wide variations in the physical and cognitive changes brought on by MS always cloud the issue of "what caused what" in a family's situation.

Often when we ask parents, "What do your children think about your MS?", the answer is, "Oh, not a lot", or, "They seem to be coping". When we push a little, many parents comment that they "don't really know what the children think". Adolescents, in particular, may not speak about their reactions but may express some of their thoughts through their (often difficult) behaviour. It would seem that many parents form a view of their children's attitudes to MS through the behaviour they see rather than as a result of communicating with them.

At the MS Society, we can help and support each family member. Contact your state MS Society for assistance.