This website is intended for residents of the U.S. interested in achondroplasia

Caring for yourself

While it may seem like just another thing to add to your already full plate, medical guidelines and studies emphasize that self care is essential.

Caring for yourself is a necessary part of caring for your child. It helps you be a better caregiver.

Katie Taylor, mom and certified Child Life Specialist

Simple acts of care

When we hear the term “self care” we often think of spa days or meditation retreats, but at its core,
it’s really as simple as taking any action that helps you manage your emotional, physical, and mental health.

 

START SMALL

Beginning with manageable actions like deep breathing, a short walk, or taking a quick break from work can make a big difference.

TREAT YOURSELF

Letting yourself enjoy comforting activities like rewatching a movie or TV show you love, giving yourself a small treat, or basking in some well-earned screen time can have benefits.

REACH OUT

Leaning on friends, family, mental health professionals, or support groups—even texting friends about things unrelated to achondroplasia or care can be a helpful way to let off some stress and reground yourself.

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References:

  • Adedeji A, Witt S, Innig F, et al. Coping and quality of life of parents of children with achondroplasia-a narrative review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025;12:1500389.
  • Adib-Hajbaghery M, Ahmadi B. Caregiver burden and its associated factors in caregivers of children and adolescents with chronic conditions. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2019;7(4):258-269.
  • Hoover-Fong J, Scott CI, Jones MC; Committee on Genetics. Health supervision for people with achondroplasia. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20201010.
  • Javalkar K, Rak E, Phillips A, et al. Predictors of caregiver burden among mothers of children with chronic conditions. Children (Basel). 2017;4(5):39.
  • Rodakowski J, Skidmore ER, Rogers JC, Schulz R. Role of social support in predicting caregiver burden. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;93(12):2229-2236.
  • Savarirayan R, Ireland P, Irving M, et al. International Consensus Statement on the diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and lifelong care of individuals with achondroplasia. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022;18(3):173-189.
  • Waldron EA, Janke EA, Bechtel CF, Ramirez M, Cohen A. A systematic review of psychosocial interventions to improve cancer caregiver quality of life. Psychooncology. 2013;22(6):1200-1207.