MOMS & DADS TALK: Caring for a Very Sick Child

It's been a really stressful week for my wife and I.

Our 7-year-old son has been undergoing testing for several serious health issues. Dealing with his medical needs is something we have dealt with since he was 15 months old.

My wife and I are no stranger to spending long stretches at a time in a hospital room making sure our son is cared for and that he is not scared while being surrounded by many doctors and nurses - some of whom are complete strangers.

The difference between this time compared to those when my son was a baby is that this time my wife and I also have 4-year-old twin daughters. In the past we didn't think twice about spending every waking minute with our son, but that isn't possible when you have more than one child.

My wife has spent the last two days with our son (who is going to be OK), while I have balanced work with caring for our daughters and trying to find time for my son as well.

We are both feeling a level of guilt during this time. My wife feels like she's there for my son while not providing our girls with a level of attention she would like as their mother. I want nothing more than to be by my son's side as his dad.

It is a difficult balancing act, but we're doing what we feel is in the best interest of our children.

Have you ever cared for a seriously ill child in the hospital with other children at home? How do you balance your time to ensure all of your children know you are there for them?