You Are Not Alone: Parent's Guide

• You Are Not Alone Video
  Transcript
  
  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.
  
  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
  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.

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• Rewind Audio [64K] 
  Transcript
  
  On this audio , 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 audio 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 audio 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.
  • Questions to Consider
  After listening to the audio 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.

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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.
  

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• 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.

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• Stationary [PDF - 193KB]
  
  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.

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