Parent's Guide
As a parent of a teen with epilepsy, you may be grappling
with many different issues—some more teen related, others more epilepsy
specific. This kit was developed in collaboration with parents like you to
meet your needs. We recommend that you review the kit and determine how best
to use each item in it. The materials may be used as conversation starters
with your spouse or partner, between you and your teen, or with other family
members and friends.
On this page:
"You Are Not Alone" Video
This documentary-style video features the story of two
families as well as parents who "survived" the teen years. The video
does not cover all experiences or viewpoints, but merely the experiences of
several families. The video is meant to be a catalyst for discussion
about what they are experiencing. Because of the realism of the video, a
wide range of issues, emotions, and thoughts may arise about parenting a
teen with epilepsy. After watching the video, you may choose to initiate a
discussion with your family members about their reactions. The
questions below may be helpful in the discussion.
View the video now.
You will need
Real Player® to view this video.
Please note: Roxanne's aunt mentions that Roxanne was
diagnosed at an Epilepsy Foundation (EF) affiliate. Not all EF affiliates
have clinics associated with them. A diagnosis of epilepsy should only be
made by a medical professional.
As stated in the introduction, the video can be watched in
its entirety or can be stopped and started for discussion with your teen,
spouse or partner, or other family members and friends. It has been edited
into nine segments for this purpose.
Questions to Consider
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"Rewind" Audio CD
On this audio compact disc (CD), you will hear a series of
three "overheard conversations" between parents and their teens living with
epilepsy. Each conversation is then "rewound" and followed by a second
conversation that demonstrates one way teens think the conversation should
have gone.
As with the video, the CD addresses a wide range of issues
and emotions that stem from parenting a teen with epilepsy. You may disagree
with some of the alternatives presented in the "rewound" conversations.
Remember that the "rewound" conversations are meant to stimulate discussion
rather than provide final solutions to the situations discussed.
Consider listening to the CD alone or listening and
discussing it with your spouse or other adult first. Then, listen to one
scenario at a time with your teen and initiate a discussion on the issues
that it covers. You may want to use the suggested questions to
stimulate and direct the discussion.
Listen to the Audio now.
Streaming Audio Format. You will need RealPlayer®
to listen to this file.
After listening to the CD with your teen, spouse, or other
adult, initiate a discussion about communication styles and what you can do
to improve current communications. Try to focus on actively listening to
your teen and affirming what you hear from him or her.
Questions to
Consider
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Reach Out Brochure
Consider reviewing the brochure with your spouse, partner, or
other family members and discussing how parenting a teen with epilepsy has
affected the family as a whole and each individual family
relationship. Together, make a plan of action for nurturing your
relationships and yourself. Base the action plan on goals that you set
together. If you have never attended a parent support group meeting, seek
one out either close to home or online.
View the Brochure
Resource Guide
The Resource Guide is meant to provide additional
information, including organizations, books, newsletters, and online sources
for more information on epilepsy and a range of topics related to family and
parenting issues.
View the Resource Guide
Stationery
Use this set of preprinted sheets to write messages to
teachers, neighbors, coaches, employers, or other adults who come into
contact with your teen. It is a vehicle for introducing your teen's
condition and advocating for him or her. Note that the information on seizure
first aid at the bottom of each page provides an opportunity to educate the
reader about the appropriate response to a seizure.
 Download
the stationery (PDF – 181K)
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One or more documents on this Web page is available in Portable Document Format
(PDF). You will need Acrobat
Reader to view and print these documents.
Date last
modified: 03/15/2006
Date last reviewed:
03/15/2006
Content source: Division of Adult
and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
