Caring for a child with a chronic illness places many demands on a parent. While the practical challenges may be the most exhausting physically, they may not be the hardest part of the experience. In fact, the practical challenges can often be shared with others who want to lend a helping hand which then lightens the burden for the parents.

However, the more demanding challenge may be the emotional side of the situation. When we embark on the journey toward parenthood we tend not to focus on the...