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uncertain and unpredictable. In order to gain a sense of empower- ment and to have a better idea of what the future may hold, it’s important to understand all aspects of your child’s diagnosis and unique healthcare needs. As a parent, you need to fi nd out as much as possible about the condition and care, certainly from your child’s healthcare provider and specialist, but organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation may have local chapters to provide you with additional information. Becoming informed and networking will help the diagnosis seem less frightening, and you will feel more in control. Information will help you plan, guide and advocate for your child. Most childhood health problems are mild.
They come and go and do not interfere with daily life or your child’s development. Chronic health problems affect everyday life and impact your child’s daily routine and activities. Treatment may be painful or uncomfortable for young children, and they may need close monitoring to avoid potential complications. It is important to keep the lines of
communication open with your kids and always fi nd out what they are feeling. Parents may be surprised by which aspect of the illness children fi nd diffi cult. As children grow, their ability to understand more about their diagnosis and take responsibility for their care should increase. It’s important to spend time with them and understand what they know, fi lling in the gaps and correcting information they don’t comprehend properly. The hard part is determining the right age to transfer responsibility for care to the child. The best outcome of adjustment
that parents and providers hope for is acceptance of the condition and adherence to treatment. How children respond is based
Ready, Set, Grow
It’s important to understand all aspects of your child’s diagnosis and unique healthcare needs
on their characteristics, developmental stage, stability of the illness, how the family is coping and support from the school environment. Some kids have a positive attitude and cope well with their diagnosis, not letting it interfere with their daily routine and activities. Some children are overwhelmed with all the changes that living with a chronic illness entails, and parents need to emphasize their strengths and the things they can do well. As children develop and reach a better
understanding of the care needed to manage their chronic illness, they should be encouraged to master the day-to-day tasks and receive praise for their efforts. If the child’s condition remains stable and is well controlled with the treatment plan, it is easier for both child and family to face the new responsibilities of managing a long-term illness. A fl exible healthcare team at school that values the child and parent as part of the team provides additional support. Children may cope well one day but not
the next. Listen and let them express their emotions, as there will be times that they are feeling frustration, anger or rage. If there is a change in their normal routine, an extra test or change in medication, inform them as soon as you are aware and explain the reason for the change.
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