In collaboration with CysticLife, we have created a series of pamphlets for parents of children with cystic fibrosis and professionals who work with them. They are available as free downloads by clicking on the links below. Feel free to print and share them.
High quality, glossy hard copies of the Newly Diagnosed, Infants, and Toddlers/Preschoolers pamphlets are available FREE to CF clinics, non-profit orgs and families. Please provide your name, mailing address, email address and phone number. The pamphlets are free but depending on your location and number requested, there may be a charge for postage.
We are working on printing the others and will announce the "hard copy" release as they are available. In the meantime, feel free to share this link and print them yourselves.
Please note that the pamphlets as well as the individual articles are also available on www.TipsForCFParents.com.
Life After the Diagnosis: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Whether you have been trying to get answers for awhile or the diagnosis struck out of the blue sky like a bolt of lightning, the impact to your life is unmistakable and can be devastating. This is a very challenging time for all involved; challenging physically, possibly financially and certainly emotionally.
This pamphlet includes articles to encourage you and help you along the path to hope and acceptance as well as a glossary of terms and advice from other CF parents.
Caring for Your Infant: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Living with Cystic Fibrosis
The first two years of life are very important for your child's healthy physical and emotional development. Getting the proper nutrition and medical care are essential. Paying attention to your little one's emotional development is critical, too. The ability to give and receive love are rooted in these early years.
Here are some articles to help you take care of your baby's special physical needs plus ways to build and strengthen the bonds of attachment with your baby.
Caring for Your Toddler and Preschooler: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Charles Dickens wrote in A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times...” The same could also be said about the toddler years!
This is a time of discovery, wonder, unbridled joy, excitement about life, and unparalleled cuteness. This is also the time for stupendous tantrums, never-ending messes, demands, epic power struggles, and fits of all kinds. It all comes in the same, small package.
Effective parenting skills are essential. Here are some articles to help you with some of the most common challenges CF parents face during these years.
The Elementary School Years: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Living with Cystic Fibrosis
The elementary school years are perhaps the golden years of parenting! Kids this age are excited about life and learning, they want to please their parents, teachers, and doctors, and they are just fun to be around.
Now is the time to teach kids about CF and start the transition process. This pamphlet discusses this process as well as school issues, health guidelines, and advice from other parents for school-age children with CF.
Staying Connected as a Couple: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Couple relationships aren't easy and having a child with special healthcare needs can bring added elements of stress to relationships. Despite the challenges, having a child with CF can bring couples closer together. This pamphlet will show you how to stay connected.
Authors Laura Marshak, PhD and Fran Prezant, M.Ed. of "Married with Special Needs Children" have kindly contributed to this excellent resource for parents of children with cystic fibrosis.
