Courageous Parents Network is a destination created by families, for families, to support, guide and strengthen them as they care for very sick children. Here you will find wisdom from fellow parents and pediatric care providers to help you be the best parent you can be to your child and children—and get through each moment.
Connect to Family Stories
You worry about your family, your child’s future. You may even dare to worry about yourself. You’re not alone! Videos, podcasts and private discussion connect you to parents courageously sharing personal stories and experiences from their journey.
JOIN the Network, and you can add your name to our Interactive Map which shows you some of the parents and providers in the Network and where they're from.
Learn to Navigate and Advocate
Understanding the system, communicating effectively, and making good decisions for your child can feel challenging and frustrating. Perspectives from pediatric care providers, together with professionally reviewed resources, are here to help you find your way.
Focus on What You Need Now
What’s on your mind today? Use all that Courageous Parents has to offer, or concentrate on a particular interest.
- The Beginning
- Coping with the Diagnosis
- Experimental Therapies
- Genetic Counseling
- When it’s a Long, Indefinite Timeline
- What about the Marriage?
- Grandparents/Extended Family
- Caring for Other Children/Siblings
- Working with the Medical Team/ Goals of Care
- The Hospital
- Finding Support
- Why? Spirituality & Religion
- Issues of Control
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Medical Interventions: Tubes, Trach, Surgery etc
- Making Difficult Decisions: How Palliative Care helps
- Making Memories
- Questions about End-of Life: Making arrangements
- Talking to Your Child about Their Wishes
- Fear of Regrets
- Anticipating Being Bereaved
- Transitioning to End-of-Life: Home, Hospital, Hospice
- Looking at End-of-Life: When the Time Comes
- Imagining the Future
- Finding Your Child’s Legacy
- Finding Meaning and Transformation
- Your Identity as a Parent
Share Your Journey
Your own experience is uniquely valuable, and may help others feel less alone. When and if you’re ready, the Courageous Parents blog, private discussion and volunteer opportunities are ways for you to participate in—and contribute to—our nurturing community.