Kids think of summer as a time for fun, special activities, and trips. Summer can be all these things for parents too, but since we’re the ones who plan, implement, and pay for these events, we must ensure that we weigh the options, because we can’t possibly accept everything that summer has to offer. This is especially true for parents with chronic illness who may be more affected by heat, exertion, and stress than other adults. As a person with multiple chronic illnesses, I find that extreme temperatures drain me physically and can lead to flares. This means that when…
Author: Alison McGauley
Alison McGauley
Alison McGauley is a special education teacher and author who resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two daughters, and Ragdoll cat. As a chronic illness warrior who lives with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Alison is passionate about writing stories that speak to children and caregivers who are impacted by illness or disability. She also loves creating books that feature humor, SEL, and the natural world. Alison’s debut picture book is "Kenzie’s Little Tree," illustrated by Emilie Leduc, and published by Orca Book Publishers.
Those of us who are parents to young (and older) children know that this role brings with it much joy and many challenges. Those of us who are also living with chronic illness or disability know that we often face an extra layer of challenge compared to other parents. As a person who has lived with multiple chronic illnesses (inflammatory bowel disease or IBD and ankylosing spondylitis or AS) since before my children were born, I have a few DOs that I’d like to pass on in hopes that these might help or resonate with you as you prepare for…