I’m Just A Mom — And My Child Lives with Migraine

Being a mom is one of the most fantastic and challenging jobs in the world. We must be quick on our feet, know how to heal a boo-boo with a kiss, create a meal everyone enjoys, keep the house tidy and about a million little tasks in between. I never received the “How to be a Mom” handbook. The goal for most moms is to navigate each day and have all children, fingers and toes accounted for. If that isn’t a challenge, I don’t know what is!

Add to this daily struggle a child with an invisible disease of chronic daily migraine — there is no perfect day. We learn to move through our day a bit differently. Does my heart fall to the floor when I hear those four dreaded words, “Mommy, my head hurts”? Every. Damn. Time. Do I worry she will be held back because of the many absences? Yes! Do I hope one day, she will say, “Mommy, my head does not hurt” ABSOLUTELY!

Living with a child diagnosed with chronic migraine is difficult, but I choose hope. Not every day is easy, and it is easy to feel defeated. As a parent, we must stand back up and dust ourselves off. Try to focus on your journey to identify and celebrate the victories: fewer Emergency Room visits or a week without an absence. It is understandable to get caught up in the fire drill of daily living, but do not let it consume you. It is OK to be mad or down, but don’t stay there. There are great things ahead and hope for a pain-free day is our mission.

Remember to focus on the positive and use resources to help your child and the family.