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Family Member with Multiple Sclerosis

eFeature - A Family Member with Multiple Sclerosis

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MS in the Family

Focusing on young people's day at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, this article offer details on their views. It gives details on the event, how it came about and what it entailed. The most interesting part of the article is the last section in which the children at the event give their thoughts and views on MS.

Focus on the Family

This MS International Federation magazine takes a special look at families and MS. It examines issues that are relevant to families and MS, including sensitive issues such as divorce. There are articles on how MS changes a family, how to encourage children to talk about changing relationships, and steps to take to avoid carer burnout. You can download the magazine (via PDF) or subscribe, and this issue (number 3) is well worth a read.

Family Changes by Keep S'myelin

This is an issue of the children’s magazine from the American MS Society website that looks at how family life changes when you live with MS. It has stories, cartoons and games to help you talk to your children about MS and how the family changes and continues to change because of it. There is also a parents' pullout section to give you some ideas and advice on how to use the newsletter to best effect.

MS and Parenting

This article from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation examines the issues that must be examined when thinking about starting or extending a family. Genetics, relapses and disability are just a few of the areas covered.

Let’s Talk MS for Parents

This site is a goldmine of information. There are several areas of the site offering articles. These include: The challenges of parenting with MS, questions and situations some parents have experienced, issues such as effects on school life, how children feel and react over time, how the disease affects the family, and how to prepare your family for cancelled activities or hospital stays. There is also a chatroom, message board, a quiz, links, resources and even tips!

Social Interaction

An article from the MS Resource Centre that examines the impact of a positive diagnosis for MS - in particular, changes in personality. It is a frank look at how the symptoms of MS, such as sexual dysfunction, anger, denial and cognitive impairment and even abuse, can affect a family. A hard-hitting article that aims to air some of the issues not always discussed about MS.

Books and Pamphlets

Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Families

The latest edition (3rd) of this book looks at the impact of MS on the family. It provides strategies and resources on how to cope with the disease. This page from Amazon.co.uk provides details on the book and allows you to purchase it.

Someone You Know has MS: A Book for Families

A brochure for families produced by the American MS Society. It is written from the perspective of a child called Michael whose mother has MS and therefore covers areas of concern for him. These include: what is MS, who gets the disease and why, and how he copes with feeling angry or scared. This is something you can read with and then discuss with your child and then discuss the issues your child may have surrounding MS.

Multiple Sclerosis: The At Your Fingertips Guide

This book answers 200 questions from people with MS and their families. There is an examination of the impact of MS in a family, the emotional upheaval involved and how to adapt as a family. It also offers practical advice on a whole host of subjects such as children, relationships, work, and travel. This page from Amazon allows you to purchase the book.

MS Society

This is the section where you can find all of the Society’s publications. Included are 'My Mum’s got MS', 'Genes and MS', the 'Carers' Handbook', 'Relationships and Intimacy', 'MS and Your Home' and a video called 'Does Someone You Know Have MS?' Just fill in the form and the publications will be sent to you.

Non-MS Family Sites

Channel 4’s Family Magazine

This is an online magazine from Channel 4. It offers information and advice for the families of today. Whether you are looking for information on how to communicate, solve sibling rivalry, on stepfamilies or on caring, this site has it. It offers sensible and practical advice drawn from the programmes it airs, such as Trust Me - I’m a Teenager.

Care for the Family

This site aims to promote strong family life. It contains articles such as how to grow through difficulties, ten tips for relationships, and giving children a sense of value. There are also details on various events like the 1-2-1 challenge, and father’s evenings. The site also contains a downloadable magazine (PDF) and an enewsletter.

BBC’s Parenting Site

The site brings together a huge number of resources and information. There are all the parenting and children’s programmes produced by the BBC, such as Little Angels and Tweenies, as well as information on finances and finding a school. Articles and advice is also offered on getting the work-life balance right, helping your children learn, playing with your children and childcare. Plus an interactive area and enewsletter. A very useful resource!

The information and reference materials contained in this page are intended solely for the information of the reader. They should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. MSActiveSource.co.uk (maintained by Tangent 90 Limited) does not control or edit these pages and can therefore not assume responsibility for their content. All visitors to the site agree to read and abide by the complete terms of the legal disclaimer.

Did you know?

How MS affects you will be very different to how it affects someone else.

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Page last updated: 22 Jun 2010

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