Marriage and Parenting


 * Marriage


 * When a couple says I Do, in many cases it is for better or for worse. Often when we think about for bettr or for worse, we think about
 * good times, bad times, rough times, maybe an illness or a death; but the concept of brain injury does not cross our minds. How does a
 * couple learn to stay together after a brain injury, to understand each other again, to re-learn each other and pull through. Patience,
 * love and understanding are the easier answers, the harder ones are perserverance and day to day living.


 * Some couples turn to faith, others turn to outside resources such as counsellors, support groups or their social workers. Many of the
 * local brain injury agencies will have the resources and expertise to assist couples through these rough times. Below are some links
 * and suggestions that can help. It is important to remember though, that the transition through this transformation of self is one
 * that both will embark on together.


 * Quick Suggestions for day to day frustrations: - Open communication between the two of you. - To journal your thoughts and
 * feelings, frustrations and anger. - To remember that it is okay to get angry at one another, that it is okay to be frustrated with
 * what has happened. - Both of you are grieving the loss of one, even though no one has physically died, a huge part of who one was
 * has gone.


 * Tricks for Memory Reminders: - A daytimer is a useful tool to remember day to day activities and events. - To keep a large
 * calendar in the kitchen or on the fridge, so that everything is clear and straight forward. - It is okay to keep to-do lists all
 * over the place and little sticky notes. - Don't critize, but guide and remind of how things are to be done.


 * Resources

Taken from marriage missions international: Starting marriage over after a brain injury. []

Taken from the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society: The importance of mutual support for spouses of head injury survivors. []

Changing Roles in Families: Retrieved from Brain Injury Resource Foundation. []

Head Injuries happen to families: []


 * I’M SUPPOSED TO BE PARENTING!


 * Dealing with an acquired brain injury can be overwhelming and exhausting. Sometimes just completing daily activities can be enough,
 * trying to be a parent and have a brain injury can feel like too much sometimes. It is okay to feel like this and it is important to
 * remember that there are supports and services to help you through your tranistion and recovery. It is important to remember that you
 * are still a parent, your children will still love you and that there is a lot you can offer them. It is also important to remember
 * that the whole family will need time to adjust to the transition and to the changes, checking with your local brain injury agency
 * is a good way to start looking for resources and supports to assist through these times.


 * Supports

Brain Injury Chatroom: An online chatroom to meet and discuss common issues with others directly or indirectly affected by an acquired brain injury. [] (retrieved from: [])

Journal of daily experience: Retrieved from Brain Injury Resource Centre []

Journey Toward Recovery: A brain injury guide for families. []