Kidney Transplant Patient Portland OR - Independence

Independence

Posted on 2/7/2022 by Maggie Mackenzie

Independence
By Emilee Kerper

Consider what comes to mind when you hear the word “independence”. It may be something like separation, freedom, or the ability to do things on your own. For parents, this is a tough topic, as developmental stages look a bit different for each child, and we each have our own comfort level with letting go of the details of our kids’ lives. Some parents must maintain a high degree of involvement in their children’s life and activities because of the unique needs of their child. When medical considerations are added to the mix, it can be a major challenge to consider how much independence to give children, but especially related to the management of their health.

We may begin to think about independence as an agreed-upon amount of tasks and responsibilities a parent bestows on their child, for the purposes of building trust in their ability and building their confidence. It is important that we continue to evaluate the needs of our kids over time, to determine what they are able to do for themselves and what they really need our support to do.

Imagine a parent who does everything for a fully capable child throughout their life. Is the child learning to take care of themselves? No, probably not. With this in mind, we must commit to empowering our youth to step into an active role in their lives and health when they’re able, with encouraging and supportive guidance.

Allowing our kids to do things for themselves is a powerful act of demonstrating trust in their competence and increasing their self esteem. Considering their stress level, comprehension and other factors are important in evaluating their readiness for more independence. If you’re unsure, consult with your medical team for support in considering what is best for your child. There will be an understandable amount of stress for a parent transitioning away from tasks related to caring for their child, so please consider your own health needs as well, and seek your own support services to help with this transition.

Here is a sample conversation starter, to get you and your child talking about their independence:
Hey Suzy, I just wanted to check in with you about your growing independence, because it’s important that you know you’re capable of doing things on your own. Here are a few things I’ve been doing for you for a long time now because you needed my help when we started: ____________________________________________________ (list 1-3 things) I’m wondering if you’re feeling comfortable working toward doing those things on your own? I’m here to support you as you learn about why this is important and how to take care of these things yourself.

Another important note here is that not all youth will take an active role in the management of their health, and that is okay. Parents who must take an active role in their child’s life may consider additional support for themselves so that they may access their own independence, outside their family responsibilities. Independence may exist even in small places within each person’s life, and that should still be celebrated and encouraged.

If you or your child would like more support around this topic, please join our monthly support group and reach out to a staff member for additional resources. We care about your health!

Acerca de Nosotros

Nuestra Historia

En el 2006, un grupo de padres y profesionales apasionados fundaron Northwest Kidney Kids con el objetivo principal de mantener el campamento familiar Kidney Kids. Este programa de verano inicialmente involucró a 15 a 17 familias que se unieron para brindarse apoyo mutuo. Después de establecer con éxito a Northwest Kidney Kids como una organización sin fines de lucro registrada 501(c)(3), los fundadores colaboraron anualmente para mantener las tradiciones de los campamentos familiares. En los 15 años transcurridos desde su creación, el personal comprometido, la junta directiva y los miembros de la comunidad de Northwest Kidney Kids han seguido apoyando a los niños y las familias afectadas por la enfermedad renal crónica. Nuestros programas se han ampliado para incluir dos campamentos anuales adicionales, iniciativas de apoyo clínico y numerosos proyectos de recursos.

Nuestro Fundador

El Dr. Randall Jenkins, también conocido como "Dr. J" por sus pacientes, es el nefrólogo pediátrico con más experiencia en el área de Portland. Ha estado involucrado en la creación y gestión de campamentos para niños con enfermedades renales desde mediados de los años 1990. En el 2006, fundó NW Kidney Kids, Inc. para continuar con estos campamentos y ampliar los programas. El Dr. Jenkins es el ex presidente de la junta (2006-junio de 2013) y el actual jefe de división del Departamento de Nefrología Pediátrica del Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Continúa apoyando a la organización de muchas maneras. En su escaso tiempo libre, le gusta esquiar.

Nuestra Misión

La misión de Northwest Kidney Kids es ofrecer esperanza y apoyo a niños con enfermedad renal crónica y a sus familias. Brindamos actividades grupales, servicios de prevención y programas educativos que empoderan a los Kidney Kids para alcanzar el éxito a lo largo de toda su vida.

Nuestra Visión

Nuestra visión es ver a cada niño que vive con enfermedad renal y a su familia prosperar. Nuestra esperanza, al acompañar a los Kidney Kids, es que aprendan a tomar el control de su salud, a manejar su condición y a abrazar su futuro. Nos esforzamos por construir una comunidad solidaria en la que las familias se sientan cuidadas y alentadas. Nuestro objetivo es brindar un entorno seguro y lleno de cariño donde cada miembro de la familia Kidney Kid pueda aprender, crecer y alcanzar su máximo potencial.
Como organización, NW Kidney Kids se esfuerza por ser autosustentable y reconocida como una fuerza compasiva, respetada y bien valorada por operar con integridad. Queremos ser vistos como una influencia positiva dentro de la comunidad de la enfermedad renal, tanto a nivel local como nacional. Para lograrlo, buscamos constantemente mejorar y ampliar nuestros programas para que sean relevantes y valiosos para las necesidades de más niños y familias.

Northwest Kidney Kids, PO Box 230075, Portland, OR 97281 ~ (503) 893-5671 ~ nwkidneykids.org ~ 7/13/2026 ~ Tags: Kidney Transplant Patient Portland OR ~