The young person's guide to MS It's not all bad - the positive side of MS
Having a parent with MS can make things difficult at home and unfortunately in some cases it can lead to families living apart, either as a result of separation, divorce, or because your mum or dad might need care that means they are no longer able to live in the family home. However, many families find that MS brings them closer together. Often they find they appreciate each other more and make more of an effort to do things together.
You are at a time in your life when you might feel under pressure to fit in with everybody else and you don't want to be different from your friends. Having a parent with MS might have taught you that it is OK to be different. It may have made you more thoughtful and more considerate of other people's feelings.
Although having extra jobs at home can seem like hard work at times, skills like being able to cook and do the washing are all things that will be really useful when you eventually leave home. You may also find, without even realising it, that you have become more mature or confident than your friends who haven't had to grow up with a parent who has a long-term condition, because you are used to being more independent.
"My mum is the best, most loving, caring person in the world. I don't think life could be the same without her. Mum is affected badly I think, and it can affect the whole family, but everybody is so supportive it is unbelievable."
Sam, 14
"My mum isn't any different because she has MS. Everyone loves my mum. I think she's GREAT."
Scarlett, 13
"I treat my dad as a normal dad. I don't look at him as being disabled."
Melissa, 12
"I think it has made us realise how much we take for granted."
Jodie, 13
"When my mum was diagnosed she was upset and scared. Every time I cried she would cry, but there was no need because since then our life has just been normal."
Emma, 14
"It doesn't matter if your parent has MS. They are still the same person that they were before."
Stephanie, 11
"Sometimes I get upset because of MS, but now I think 'It's not the end of the world'. I try to involve dad in things, so I talk to him a lot and read to him. When I make him laugh I get a warm feeling inside, like I've done something right."
Rachel, 11
"Life is hard but you learn to cope with it. There will be good days and bad days. Don't worry - be strong. It's not all bad because they are still capable of most things."
Rachael, 14
"It doesn't mean life dramatically changes and can bring families closer together. It gives me a cause to help, something I can help with that relates to my life."
Sarah, 15
"I feel good when I know I'm helping my mom. I want to be a research scientist and attempt to find the cure to MS and help all those with it."
Damon, 10
"Sometimes it can mean life is better than before - like when I get to see my dad a lot more and he can come to the school play and events."
Gemma, 12
"MS has brought my family closer together as my dad used to work away a lot, but now because of the MS, he only works for part of the week instead of 6/7 days. So it's not all bad!"
Sarah, 15
"It's not all bad; my mum spends more time with me because she has MS."
Claire, 11
"With my dad working in London and my mum stuck at home most of the time, me and my brother are very independent and rely heavily on public transport to get everywhere."
Jonathan, 17
"It sort of helps me to prepare for the future by making me do things that I will have to do if and when I move out."
Emily, 13
"It has been a difficult journey since diagnosis and can be hard to see my mum going downhill, but I have grown up a lot and gained independence."
Leanne, 17
"It brings the family closer as you feel the need to make the most of life as anything could happen tomorrow."
Catherine, 12