u/mama_emily

Newly separated mother of an 8 year old daughter, just started 3rd grade.

I have an excellent support system, and even though it comes with strings, I know I am incredibly lucky to have it.

Still - the days are long for an 8 year old in a small apartment and where we live it is hot and it’s going to be hot for a lot longer. She has the energy of the sun and while I try, it will never be enough. It is made more frustrating by the fact that she doesn’t really understand MS and I do not look sick. She knows I have it but, let’s be real, it’s challenging to explain this disease to an adult.

“Mom looks like mom, why can’t she do anything anyone else does?”

What do y’all do? Do you divide up your time strategically? Are there low-energy activities you can both enjoy? I still try and limit it but somedays the screen is the babysitter, and anyone who wants to judge can come throw hands with a handicap.

I don’t know, it makes me feel so unbelievably guilty and sad, I hate it. I really do.

The separation, her little cousin just moved out of state, new school year… if anything this is when a parent would want to be pulling out all the stops, 110% for their kid… and we can barely be 100% for ourselves.

How do you parent your best with MS and not let the guilt drown you?

I’m not working from home, but I am about to start a full course load of classes and will be at my desk in my chair using the computer very often.

So, I need suggestions for it all, your whole set up, please.

Chairs, keyboards, mice, monitors other things I’m not thinking of… Brands, materials, size, personal adjustments you made and found helpful. Particular set ups you suggest. What is worth investing in?

I can get a student discount on some things, but I’m on a budget… I might go over $100 for a chair, that for people like us, is a life changer. Everything else I’d prefer to be less.

TIA