Special skills that parents of children with health problems need to have.

"Your diabetes, Melinda?" We remembered her laughing and replying, "It's fine, Dad. It's under control." Then a call came, "This morning, Melinda was found dead in her bedroom."

Parents with healthy children will naturally sacrifice some of their own pursuits for their kids, but they face far fewer challenges than parents who have one or more children with special illnesses.

Often, in difficult circumstances, already exhausted parents can't help shouting when communicating with their children. This is the biggest challenge they face. Parents can master some simple techniques to stay calm and peaceful.

1. Ask questions instead of giving orders, making demands, or providing answers.

What do you think about this being designed for you?

Do you think it would be good to try a different approach to dealing with your emotional issues?

Do you want to attend summer school in the future?

Do you think the way we're taking care of you could extend (or shorten) your life?

2. Use rational words and effective statements by offering choices to share control

Make choices like magic: Would you like to do __ or __?