I'm Not Ok

Parenthood is always a challenge, but caring for a child with a chronic illness or disability can be especially draining. The pressures are enormous: parents must deal with doctors and hospitals and cope with financial demands while simultaneously providing support and encouragement for the struggling child. The stress can easily become overwhelming. Taking care of a child with chronic health issues is a full-time job, so where can busy, burdened parents find support? Heather B. Amos collated the stories in I’m Not “OK” to answer that question. Her goal is to foster a compassionate and nurturing community of caregivers who find strength in numbers and thrive on the honest exchange of information. These stories describe the challenges of parenting special-needs children from the perspective of caregiving fathers, working mothers, siblings, teachers, and special-needs professionals. Through a series of probing interviews, Amos gleans invaluable tips for anyone experiencing the situation firsthand—and offers insights for all those who want to better understand and support these caregivers. There is strength and comfort in community and in candidly sharing frank stories. I’m Not “OK” is a powerful repository of lived truths that can help guide parents during even the most difficult times.