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Relationship with your partner

Having a disabled child may put pressure on your relationship with your partner or you may react in very different ways to the issues concerning your child. It is important to talk them through and sometimes you might need to compromise.

Dads might sometimes feel a bit uninformed because their partner sees all the information first and may filter it. As one dad said, "Lots of information goes to my wife. She opens all the letters and information we get that explains things like benefits." This might mean that a wife or partner liaises with services while dads are at work or doing other jobs.

Going out or pursuing your own interests might cause a few difficulties, but if you do, it can make all the difference to how you feel about your situation. Having some time together as a couple can be really valuable so make use of any help that might be available.

Not all parents remain together and added strains may be caused if you are not living with your partner or your child. It is important to try and keep the lines of communication open so that you are involved as much as you are able. Having enough information to keep you up-to-date throughout the various stages of your child's life is important.

Our fathers guide has more information on what to do if your relationship breaks down.

• Fathers guide

Relationships with your other children

If you are a dad with other children, you may find you need to juggle your time even more. As one dad told us, "It's hard trying to give all the children equal attention."

Most families recognise that siblings are often mature for their age and do enjoy the opportunity of being involved with their disabled brother or sister. The key point is to make sure that siblings have the information they need to understand the disability.

There is now a lot of information written for siblings which your children might find helpful. Some siblings have benefited from attending local siblings support groups, where they have the opportunity to meet other children in similar circumstances.

• Siblings guide
• Contact our helpline for more information