Mother's daily struggles

Yasmina, a 38-year-old mother from Créteil, describes the exhausting daily life of raising a child with a disability while also caring for her other two daughters, managing economic difficulties, and finding time for herself. Her home is filled with the usual chaos of children, but she often has to mediate between her daughters, especially when her eldest, Zahra, feels neglected by her mother's attention to her younger sister, Amel.

Understanding disability in siblings

Caroline Bonnet, a psychologist at the Centre d'accueil familial spécialisé (CAFS) in Saint-Maurice, explains that siblings often struggle to understand why their sibling is different and may unconsciously question why they are not affected by the same condition. This can lead to feelings of confusion or even guilt among the siblings.

Early challenges and family history

Yasmina's challenges began with her first child, Ismaël, born in 2008 with hydrocephalus. After complications from chickenpox, Ismaël developed a severe disability, and his father left the family, unable to cope with the situation. Yasmina managed Ismaël's care with the help of her mother and sister for several years before eventually seeking a divorce, a process that took five years.

Ismaël's survival and legacy

Ismaël, who was expected to live only six years, lived to be fourteen, thanks to the support of his mother and the environment created by the three women in his life. His presence and the challenges he faced have shaped Yasmina's current life and the way she raises her other daughters.

Economic and employment struggles

Today, Yasmina is raising three daughters, and the economic burden is significant. She has had to leave her job as a security agent at the Louvre and a part-time position in production due to the demands of caring for her children. According to the DREES, only 54% of mothers with children with disabilities are employed, compared to 74% of other mothers, and the risk of poverty for single-parent families is 42%.

Support and small victories

Yasmina relies on various social benefits such as RSA and AEEH to support her family. Despite the challenges, Yasmina finds small victories, such as her daughter Amel attending school with the support of an assistant and the potential for additional professional support from the Service d'Éducation Spéciale et de Soins à Domicile de Champigny (SESSAD). However, Yasmina admits she has no time for a relationship, stating, "I don't have time for a relationship," reflecting the immense pressure and sacrifice required to care for her children.