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Helping Children Deal With Their Own Disease


About this topic


As a parent, you want to protect your child. But, no matter how hard you think it will be, letting your child know about their illness may help your child cope much better. Children need to know they can trust their parents. Keeping the facts about an illness from your child may hurt that trust. Be open and honest with your child. Your child may feel safer and less stressed. ‚  

General


Here are some things that you can do to help your child cope with an illness or chronic disease: ‚  
  • Find a place to talk where your child feels relaxed. This may be your childs bedroom.
  • Find the best time to talk. Try to talk early in the day so there is time for your child to deal with the news and ask questions.
  • Be patient. If your child does not want to talk about feelings, do not force it. Be open to talking when your child is ready.
  • Talk clearly, be truthful, and use simple words that your child can understand.
  • Tell your child about medical tests, drugs, and other care before it happens. This way your child will know what to expect and be less nervous or stressed.
  • Teach your child how to cope with changes in routine that need to be made.
  • Try to manage daily life as best you can. Do not keep your child away from other children if you do not need to. Let your child play and join school activities whenever it is possible.
  • Watch for sudden changes in how your child acts. Some children may misbehave or behave too well. Take time to sit down and talk about these changes.
  • Bring things from home like a stuffed animal, blanket, or pictures when care is done away from the home.
  • Make sure your child feels loved and cared for.
  • Let other family members visit and offer help.
  • Find ways for your child to connect with other children who have the same illness. Some of these may be summer camps, fund raising events, or support groups.
  • Draw comfort in your faith. Hold on to spiritual activities that can help. These may include praying, meditating, or talking to a religious leader.

Helpful tips


  • Talk to your childs doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Ask for help if you are worried about your child's response to their illness.
  • Look for books, programs, or other aids that help people manage and cope with childhood illnesses.
  • Join a support group to get to know other parents who are helping a child who has a like illness to live well.
  • Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, and do activities that you enjoy or may help you relax. Try reading, listening to music, or playing sports. This will help you give the best support to your child.
  • Get help from other family members and friends who love you.

Where can I learn more?


Healthy Children ‚  
http://www.healthychildren.org/english/health-issues/conditions/chronic/pages/coping-with-chronic-illness.aspx ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/seriously_ill.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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