Judy's Story - Parenting with Sight Loss
13th July 2026
When my son was 2 days old, a young doctor congratulated me on having a fine boy who would be able to help me and look after me!
My husband and I both had some useful sight, but it was deteriorating. I was concerned about how I was going to look after him.
I was afraid people would think I couldn’t cope, and this did lead to my becoming very safety conscious and house proud. Crawling and toddling presented the safety challenges all parents face, plus my not always being able to see where he was or what he was doing. I kept the house quiet so that I could hear him moving around and dressed him in bright colours so that it was easier to see him. When I didn’t want him under my feet in the kitchen, I put him in a play pen or in the highchair where he could see me and we could interact.
Making up bottles was tricky. Measuring the powder was simple, levelling off each scoop with the edge of a knife. I could just about make out the markings on the side of the bottle to measure the water. A talking measuring jug would have been useful but unfortunately they didn’t exist at the time. Spoon feeding was slow and messy. I would find baby’s chin with one finger and then offer the spoon. He soon learned to home in on it. I was relieved when he took the spoon and fed himself.
My son assumed all adults were like his dad and me. My neighbour was amused when he put things in her lap to show them to her or took her hand and led her to things he wanted her to see!
My biggest challenge came when the children grew older. I didn’t what to rely on them too much. When we went to the cinema, museums or other attractions, I did need their cooperation. They were good at reading signs, entrance, exit, toilets and places to buy food. I tried hard not to ask them to describe things to me.
I wanted to let them grow up without feeling burdened by my vision impairment. I hope I succeeded, but I haven’t found the courage to ask.
Many parents with disabilities face uncertainty, discrimination and additional challenges. Please reach out with your concerns and we can be a listening ear, put you in touch with others in similar situations and help you explore what equipment and support is available.
You are not alone!
