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When you're a parent, there are always plenty of worries, everything from teething to TV viewing. But add an additional challenge - multiple sclerosis - and the trials of parenthood take on a new dimension.

Keeping up with energetic kids is hard enough for anyone, but as anyone with a chronic condition can attest, it's that much tougher. My husband, who has MS, and I have had to work together to find ways for him to be a vital part of his sons' lives.

My husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when our oldest son was only 2 years old. Mitch has been in a wheelchair since both our sons were young. In fact, our younger son doesn't remember him any other way. Mitch also has vision problems and lacks fine motor control in his hands. Nevertheless, he has found a number of ways to connect with his boys as they've grown up.

Mitch hasn't been able to do many of the physical activities that many fathers and sons do together, so he has focused on other pursuits to share with them. This has become even more important as our boys have gotten older.

Here are some of the things we've learned along the way.

Look for activities that don't require walking
Some of the hobbies that Mitch and our sons have enjoyed together are fishing, boating and basketball. The basketball games were particularly endearing to me, with Mitch shooting from his wheelchair while our boys tried to sink baskets. When they were little, he would chase them in his wheelchair. They also got a big kick out of pushing the wheelchair when we went somewhere.

Games galore
Mitch and the boys like to play cards and board games, so they have done a lot of that. He taught them to play Texas Hold 'Em and other poker games, and we got a set of poker chips so they could bet as well.

Finding common ground
Mitch was at one time a professional photographer, so when our older son became interested in photography he and his dad had many great discussions about how to take photos. They also have spirited conversations about music, and we've gone to live concerts together as a family.

Learning life skills
Mitch has always liked to cook, and he has passed that on to his sons. As they were growing up, he was often in the kitchen making dinner. They became interested in what he was doing and learned kitchen skills as well. Now they often cook.

Sitting and talking
Our boys love to hear stories from when their dad was their age. Mitch has a million stories about growing up in Mississippi and all the things he did there, and he and his sons spend a lot of time just talking.

That isn't to say that it's all easy. Mitch has bad days when he doesn't feel well, or his symptoms flare up, and it's hard for him to think about doing anything for anyone else, even his children.

MS people have to especially struggle with balancing their own needs with the needs of their family. Getting some help at these times is essential, whether that's assistance with home maintenance, cleaning or other household chores. It's important to save your energy for spending time with your kids.

Children are only children for a short time, and being with them at this crucial time is important - more important than anything. Although it has been a struggle for us, Mitch and his sons have bonded over the simple things they do together.

They are great boys, and our older son, a senior, has been accepted at several universities, while our younger one is getting straight A's as a high school freshman. I feel they've developed a special understanding and compassion for other people because of the time they've spent with their dad.