The CanFASD Family Advisory Committee (FAC) has created and submitted a video for the CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health Talks competition. We encourage people to vote for our video by ‘liking’ the video on YouTube. The contest closes November 30th at 5 pm EST.
The FAC has organized their wisdom into the four elements of the Indigenous wellness framework: Hope; Belonging; Meaning; and Purpose.
Hope
- Raising a child with FASD is compared to climbing a mountain without safety gear- it is uncertain, difficult, and overwhelming at times, but it is important to take it one step at a time and gain a new perspective
- Even when you feel alone in raising a child with FASD, remember that each day is a fresh start and a new opportunity to learn from the day before
Belonging
- It is important to take time to connect with yourself and with others about your struggles and triumphs
- One mother shared the difficulty in talking about their family’s struggles with friends and family who do not have the same experience of raising a child with FASD. She tries to focus on the beauty of her family, their strengths, and resilience.
Meaning
- One mother describes her struggles as deep cracks that are healed over and over again, making her fragile yet strong, as she knows others are counting on her to be strong for them
- A father explains how he’s realized how to step back from a situation and give his son with FASD the time and space he needs
- Raising a child with FASD can feel like a never ending storm for the caregiver, but leaning on your support system and finding strength is important
Purpose
- Tenacity is described as an important trait in raising a child with FASD
- Being silly and having fun with your child is important for both the child and the caregiver
- Love is the key to raising healthy, happy, and successful children