Hi everyone, As you all know from my previous posts we have 2 kids a 10 year old son David and a 2 year old daughter Kaitlyn. They are really awesome kids and seem to be coping with the changes in our life quite well. We have a had a few issues with David but nothing really that any parents of a 10 year old don't have. He does miss riding around on the back of my Triumph speedmaster and our camping trips out bush, but that will change soon as my new car should be here by the end of the week, Thursday hopefully. So we can get back into that. He seems to accept that he has a few more responsibilities put on him now that maybe his friends don't have, but unfortunately for him there's not much we can do about that now, but he copes. He is a good kid and loves his bicycles and running around with his mates. Homework, well that's another story But he helps his mum as much as he can. Kaitlyn who was only 17 months old when I had my injury is a sweetheart and a real daddy's girl, I look after her while mums at work so we have built up a pretty good relationship, she does things for me, such as getting things and picking things up, and do all the things that a 2 year old's doing ie changing nappies and cleaning grubby face's and we play all day long, when i'm on the computer she is next to watching YouTube on the ipad.We have good days 99% of the time. Obviously because of her age she really doesn't realize my situation and just treats me as a normal person, which I consider myself to be anyway . We go to the shop's and she come to physio with me 3 days a week. We just have fun togeather, and I really get a lot out of it.
The family dynamics certainly change after SCI but it seems that you have a good family unit..I would say a normal one because there is no ideal in life..you can only work towards an ideal. Children adapt very quickly to new situations and sounds like yours have and how lovely to hear that you take care of your younger one, you little girl...i bet she's a sweetheart.
You still have your role as a Dad and your children will benefit from the caring roles that they also adopt in return for their Daddy...
Butiki, it's nice seeing posts like these! It's nice to see your children are coping with the changes well and that they're being supportive. I don't have children but have a younger sister the same age as your son and she's had to deal with my accident as well. Like your son, she's got more responsibilities than the average 11 year old and does as great job help my family and I out. It's too bad they've had to experience this at a young age but luckily they cope with it well.
For any of you who have kids here is one of my life's pleasures, watching my own daughter compete with the British National olympic synchronized swimming team, one advantage is that she is in her fifth year attending ballet classes too.
My own daughter on the right taking part in a duet. she is only 13. Basically our life revolves around education family life and sport. Hopefully she might represent my own country in 2016 or 2020, Olympics. Training is already tough but much more in 2016 as she will be sitting for her high school final exams too. but with the right training regime and time management we might make it. Wish us luck
Post by freewheeler on Jul 26, 2013 5:34:46 GMT -8
Butiki, sounds like you have all figured out your new family dynamics. My little boy is 4 now and just after my op my mother had to do pretty much a lot of the care for him as he was a fair bit younger then too. They became very close which is great because she is his nana but on the other hand I feel i missed out on so much with him.
delboy, you must be a very proud father. Your daughter's accomplishment is just wonderful and all the very best to her with her competing.
Butiki, sounds like you have all figured out your new family dynamics. My little boy is 4 now and just after my op my mother had to do pretty much a lot of the care for him as he was a fair bit younger then too. They became very close which is great because she is his nana but on the other hand I feel i missed out on so much with him.
delboy, you must be a very proud father. Your daughter's accomplishment is just wonderful and all the very best to her with her competing.
Thank you all for your nice comments, yea kids are a joy and a headache, Since i came very close to leaving this world by accident, i appreciate parenthood more now
Thank you all for your nice comments, yea kids are a joy and a headache, Since i came very close to leaving this world by accident, i appreciate parenthood more now
Delboy, that's great stuff! It's really nice to have children that'll make you proud and happy and it looks like you've got that.
Post by ridingdirty on Jul 26, 2013 12:08:22 GMT -8
i have big kids but they come see me to help my wife with me. very good you kids are helping young age so they will keep on help you when they get old.