The Migraine Freedom Blog by Debbie Waidl

Parenting Through Pain: A Mom's Resource for Tackling Young Migraines

Seeing your child struggle with migraines can make you feel powerless, and if you’re struggling with migraines too, it's as if the pain that has shadowed so much of your life has set its sights on them too.

I want you to know, there's hope and practical steps we can take together to navigate this challenge.

Understanding that migraines in children can appear much differently than in adults is our starting point.

Maybe it’s not the classic headache we’re on the lookout for, but rather unusual signs, like stomach aches, dizziness, or even an aversion to light.

Educating ourselves on these symptoms makes us better advocates for our kids, ensuring they don't suffer in silence.

Lifestyle Adjustments Are Key

Lifestyle shifts are the first step in tackling migraines – for us and our kids.

Getting your child to make changes may sound daunting, but many small changes can collectively make a significant difference.

Hydration is essential. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. Make it fun with colorful water bottles or set reminders for both of you to take hydration breaks.
A balanced diet helps too. Integrating foods rich in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, can be beneficial. Try to minimize processed foods and those high in sugar, as they can sometimes trigger migraines.
Prioritize regular sleep patterns. Establish a calming bedtime routine and aim for consistent sleep and wake times. Quality sleep is crucial for preventing migraines.
Introduce regular physical activity. It doesn’t need to be rigorous; gentle activities like walking or biking can suffice. The goal is to promote overall health and reduce stress, which is a known trigger for migraines.
Teach stress management techniques. Simple breathing exercises, mindfulness, or even yoga can make a world of difference. These skills are invaluable, helping your child navigate stressful situations more effectively.

Creating a Supportive Environment

It’s vital to ensure your child’s school understands their condition. Small accommodations, such as allowing them to wear sunglasses on bright days or providing a quiet place to rest when a migraine strikes, can have a profound impact on their ability to manage symptoms and stay engaged in learning.

Partnership with Healthcare Providers

While lifestyle changes are transformative, it’s also important to work closely with your healthcare team. They can offer guidance tailored to your child’s needs, from preventive strategies to managing acute migraine episodes. This comprehensive approach ensures your child receives the best care possible.

Empowerment Through Education

Knowledge is power. Educate your child about their symptoms in an age-appropriate manner. Understanding what migraines are and recognizing early symptoms empowers them to seek help promptly, reducing the severity and duration of an episode. They can slowly begin to learn the connection between their actions and their pain.

Building a Support Network

Lastly, it's okay to seek support for both you and your child.

Whether it's joining a supportive group like our Women’s Migraine Freedom group to connect with other parents navigating similar challenges, or even chatting with myself or a member of our team on next steps, remember - you're not alone in this journey.

Taking these steps won't make migraines disappear overnight, but they can significantly reduce their impact, making them more manageable until you get to the root cause and end them.

You've got this, and I'm here with you every step of the way. Make sure you check out my podcast episode #28 for more specifics on stage 1 solutions you can implement today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Waidl is the Owner of In The Balance Health Coaching LLC, and Founder of The Freedom From Migraines Method™ & The Migraine Freedom Protocol™
She supports busy moms living with Migraines.

Debbie will uncover what is holding them back from migraine freedom so they can live their life pain and symptom free, work productively, spend the time they want with family and friends, and stop missing out on the things they enjoy.

A message from Debbie:
"I was once right where you are now. 100% believing there was NO WAY to end migraines and my only option was to learn how to live with them or find that magic pill that maybe would work for a while. If anyone told me back then that I could end my pain once and for all, I would have called BS and popped another pill!

Skeptical times 10 was my middle name for sure because when you try it all and everyone tells you they can help you and they don’t. You stop believing… you lose HOPE!

I now realize I was approaching my migraines all backward.

I was trying to cover up symptoms versus trying to end my pain."

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