Parenting a Child with High Medical Needs
Parenting changes everything—but when your child faces medical challenges, it can transform not only how you show up as a parent but also how you see yourself as a person.
The responsibilities are heavier, the uncertainty greater, and the emotional toll undeniable. Yet within those struggles, many parents discover resilience, clarity, and even purpose.
In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone sits down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Reesa Morala, MA, LMFT, to explore how raising a high-medical-needs child shaped both her personal identity and her professional path as a therapist. Through her story, she shines a light on the profound importance of parental wellness—not as an afterthought, but as the foundation for family thriving.
Navigating Medical Systems
For Reesa, parenting a child with high medical needs meant stepping into the role of relentless advocate. She describes the frustration of encountering dismissive medical providers, unanswered questions, and systems that too often failed to listen. Like many parents in similar situations, she had to learn to trust her instincts and push back when her child’s needs weren’t being taken seriously.
Advocacy, she explains, is not just about securing medical support—it’s about protecting dignity, reducing harm, and ensuring that children get the chance to thrive. Parents may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, but Reesa’s story demonstrates that persistence and courage can open doors to better care and resources.
The Role of Parental Wellness
Through her own journey, Reesa realized that her well-being directly impacted her ability to show up for her son. Parental wellness isn’t just about managing stress—it includes mental, emotional, relational, and even identity health. Too often, parents neglect their own needs while pouring every ounce of energy into their children. But as Reesa emphasizes, “When parents are cared for, children benefit in every area of their lives.”
This is not selfishness—it is sustainability. By prioritizing her mental health, nurturing her relationships, and reclaiming her sense of identity, she discovered new strength to face daily challenges. Her experience highlights a truth that applies to all parents: your capacity to nurture others depends on your ability to nurture yourself.
Identity Beyond Parenting
A major theme Reesa addresses is the importance of holding onto identity outside of parenthood. When children have significant needs, it’s easy for parents to lose themselves in caregiving roles. But neglecting personal passions, friendships, and individuality can lead to burnout and resentment.
Reesa encourages parents to honor who they are beyond the caregiving role. Identity is not separate from wellness—it’s part of it. By protecting and investing in their sense of self, parents not only feel more whole but also strengthen the foundation of their relationships and family life.
From Hardship to Purpose
For Reesa, hardship sparked a professional mission. Her personal struggles with medical systems, parenting challenges, and the emotional weight of caregiving inspired her to build a career focused on helping other parents navigate similar experiences. Today, she works with families to prioritize wellness, strengthen relationships, and create environments where children can thrive.
Her story illustrates how adversity can carve pathways toward purpose. The very experiences that once felt overwhelming can become sources of empathy, wisdom, and service.
Key Takeaways for Parents
Parenting challenges shape us. Even the hardest seasons can build empathy and resilience.
Advocacy matters. Trusting your instincts can lead to better support and care.
Parental wellness fuels family wellness. Caring for yourself models stability for your kids.
Identity is part of wellness. Honoring who you are beyond parenting strengthens relationships.
Hardship can spark purpose. Struggles can become a source of inspiration and impact.
Connection prevents burnout. Allies, community, and safe spaces are vital for resilience.
A Message of Hope
This conversation is a reminder that while parenting through medical challenges is deeply demanding, it can also be transformative. By investing in wellness, preserving identity, and leaning on community, parents can not only survive but also create healthier, more connected family systems.
Reesa’s journey shows that even when the road is difficult, healing and purpose can emerge from hardship.
If you’re in Murrieta, CA or anywhere across California, learn more about my parenting therapy intensives and parenting classes for more support.
