Future Planning for You and Your Child

Quick Overview

Kelly Meissner, stepping in for Erin Sheldon, shared insights on future planning for parents and children with disabilities at the ASF Family Conference. She highlighted the importance of self-care and building a supportive community, drawing from Erin’s experiences with her daughter Maggie. The session emphasised the creation of a “micro board” to ensure a child’s well-being, even in the absence of parents, and the significance of a “Relationship Circle” to map out support networks. Kelly encouraged parents to delegate responsibilities to avoid burnout and to actively engage with those who show interest in supporting their family. The talk underscored the necessity of planning and community involvement to sustain a fulfilling life for both parents and children.

In a heartfelt session at the 2024 ASF Family Conference, Kelly Meissner stepped in for her friend Erin Sheldon to discuss future planning for parents and their children, particularly those with significant disabilities. The talk was a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a call to action for parents to build a robust support network for themselves and their children.

The Importance of a Support Network

Kelly began by sharing Erin’s story, highlighting the importance of self-care alongside caring for a child with disabilities. Erin, whose daughter Maggie is about to turn 21, has found a way to balance her own needs with those of her daughter. This balance was achieved through the creation of a “micro board” for Maggie, a concept that acts as a not-for-profit entity to ensure Maggie’s well-being, even if Erin and her husband Rob are unable to do so. This micro board, formed during the early days of the pandemic, is a testament to the power of community and planning.

The Relationship Circle

A key tool discussed was the Relationship Circle, a concept developed by Helen Sanderson and Associates. This tool helps individuals map out their support network, identifying those closest to them and those who could be brought closer. Kelly emphasised the importance of not only building a support network for the child but also for the parents themselves. The Relationship Circle encourages parents to think about who is in their inner circle and who could be drawn in to provide additional support.

Delegating Responsibilities

Kelly urged parents to consider delegating some of their responsibilities to others in their support network. She highlighted the heavy burden parents often carry, managing everything from day-to-day care to long-term planning. By identifying areas where others can step in, parents can reduce the risk of burnout and ensure a more sustainable support system for their child.

Practical Steps for Building a Support Network

The session was filled with practical advice on how to build and maintain a support network. Kelly shared personal stories, such as the sudden loss of a family member who was a key support figure, to illustrate the importance of having a succession plan. She encouraged parents to actively engage with those who show interest in their child’s life and to extend invitations to build stronger connections.

Conclusion

Kelly’s talk was a powerful reminder of the importance of planning and community in caring for a child with disabilities. By using tools like the Relationship Circle and being proactive in building a support network, parents can ensure a better future for both themselves and their children. The session concluded with a call to action for parents to take a moment to reflect on their own support networks and consider how they can strengthen them for the future.