friend's child with cp

[ilikeuglybetty]

I am a regular poster but I don't want my friend to recognise me or her on this post so its all a bit vague.

My friend has a young child with cp - it affects all of their limbs and i think their mouth (is that possible, i do not know a lot about it).

I babysit for them when i can - they find it hard to find babysitters, and i work in healthcare so sometimes i can answer questions she has.

I want to be a supportive friend but sometimes i worry that i am not doing the right things or that i say the wrong things.

What can/should i do or say? Or not do!

yes it does affect the mouth as well( my dd has cp and took me ages to realise how much it does affect)
The very fact that you are babysitting will help and support your freind,
As fio says your doing that and trying to understand, You sound lovely.

thanks.

i have just come back and re-read this and it sounds a bit patronising sorry

i just don't have any experience of cp and imagine it must be difficuly for my friend and want to be a good friend without stepping on toes or patronising her

if you have any questions. ask us. I am sure if we don't know we will know someone/somewhere that does.

Hi Betty, firstly, you are treating your friend and her child as themselves. Thats a wonderful thing in itself. I'm sure your friend must appreciate the babysitting. I know I would!
There maybe times when your friend wants to talk about the fears she has for her child or just have a good old moan about endless hospital appointments etc. Just be there for her. Or, if you can, go with her and give ahand. Take her child outin pushchair/wheelchair for a walk so she gets a break
Anyone who is being supportive is generally doing the right thing.