10 things only parents living with MS would understand
![Living in a post-pandemic world with MS.](/.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w400/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/parenting-header.jpg0/jcr:content/parenting-header.jpg 400w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w500/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/parenting-header.jpg0/jcr:content/parenting-header.jpg 500w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w600/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/parenting-header.jpg0/jcr:content/parenting-header.jpg 600w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w700/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/parenting-header.jpg0/jcr:content/parenting-header.jpg 700w)
Sex, relationships and parenting · Article
Parenting with MS can come with some unique challenges, but it also brings moments of comfort and occasions that make you want to lean your head back and laugh.
The multiple sclerosis (MS) community shared the situations they’ve experienced that other parents with MS could relate to. Here are their top answers...
You know you’re a parent living with MS when…
1. Your child gets confused about MS and every time they see M&Ms in a supermarket shout, ‘Mummy, you’ve got M&M’s haven’t you?’ (- Erica Taylor)
![1](/.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w400/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/mmmmms.jpg/jcr:content/mmmmms.jpg 400w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w500/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/mmmmms.jpg/jcr:content/mmmmms.jpg 500w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w600/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/mmmmms.jpg/jcr:content/mmmmms.jpg 600w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w700/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/mmmmms.jpg/jcr:content/mmmmms.jpg 700w)
2. Your kids say you’re a really bad driver after rolling over their foot several times in a mobility scooter. (-Jenny Clarkson)
![2](/dam/jcr:89d0492e-92be-4020-9c6b-7aa4ec27b8a0/2222.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:89d0492e-92be-4020-9c6b-7aa4ec27b8a0/2222.gif 1200w)
3. Your kids compare you to a character in Zootropolis because your reactions aren’t as quick as they used to be. Thanks kids!
(-Jenny Clarkson)
![3](/dam/jcr:bf700fef-2034-479b-83c2-23db543f16c9/333.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:bf700fef-2034-479b-83c2-23db543f16c9/333.gif 1200w)
4. You try to feed your baby a jar of food and a hand tremor accidentally throws it all over their face. (- Denny Johnson)
![4](/.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w400/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/444.jpg/jcr:content/444.jpg 400w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w500/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/444.jpg/jcr:content/444.jpg 500w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w600/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/444.jpg/jcr:content/444.jpg 600w, /.imaging/webp/sanofi-platform/img-w700/dam/msonetoone-eu/blog/images/444.jpg/jcr:content/444.jpg 700w)
5. Your hand tremors get even worse and feeding is so messy they just take the spoon off you and start feeding themselves. (- Jacobo)
![5](/dam/jcr:f6c35435-a477-4054-8d38-cf798a29c664/5555.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:f6c35435-a477-4054-8d38-cf798a29c664/5555.gif 1200w)
6. Running around and keeping up with your kids can be a challenge, so the garden is filled with non-running related activities like trampolines. (-Celia)
![6](/dam/jcr:3bb7c440-8081-4f7d-a9fe-a74ac6a1a194/666.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:3bb7c440-8081-4f7d-a9fe-a74ac6a1a194/666.gif 1200w)
7. You feel a huge sense of relief that the kids love ‘duvet days’ as much as you do. Especially when fatigue is getting the better of you. (-Jenny Clarkson)
![7](/dam/jcr:57622f3f-b235-48c7-92dc-7114d41f9b33/8777.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:57622f3f-b235-48c7-92dc-7114d41f9b33/8777.gif 1200w)
8. The children think they’ve been so well behaved they get pizza for tea two nights in a row, but really your hands aren’t working
enough to cook. (-Jenny Clarkson)
![8](/dam/jcr:6f5de28d-e926-4a61-bcab-d87f2e3d2021/888.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:6f5de28d-e926-4a61-bcab-d87f2e3d2021/888.gif 1200w)
9. You turn everyday activities like grocery shopping into a game so the children can do most of the leg-work and you can rest. (- tubie_doobie_doo)
![9](/dam/jcr:3c314108-8577-4617-ac0d-9a94887ef421/999.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:3c314108-8577-4617-ac0d-9a94887ef421/999.gif 1200w)
10. Your child always asks you if you need any help or if you’re ok
and you feel nothing but pride.
![10](/dam/jcr:ad2d9788-f7e2-421c-9d66-e2d772cde969/100000.gif 767w, /dam/jcr:ad2d9788-f7e2-421c-9d66-e2d772cde969/100000.gif 1200w)
For every parent there can be highs and lows, but parenting when you have MS can present its own unique challenges. If you feel like your MS is making it difficult for you to be the parent you want to be, remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but is an opportunity for those around you to offer some support. Consider having an open and honest conversation with your family, friends, a support group, your neurologist or MS nurse. There could be ways to improve your quality of life with MS.
Now it’s your turn! Learn more about MS or step outside your comfort zone by taking on our game of Truth or Dare.