Chronic Illnesses

Studies show that between 10 percent and 20 percent of children have some type of long-term illness, disability or other type of health impairment. When you first learn that your child has a disability or a chronic disease, the news is often unexpected and can seem devastating. Many families experience a sense of powerlessness at the prospect of dealing with an unexpected illness and facing a future filled with unknowns.

As a first step to coping with your child's special needs, find out as much as you can about her condition and its care. The more information parents and children have, the less frightening the present and future will seem. Knowledge is empowering.

Independence
It is critical to help your child come to terms with his health condition and accept appropriate responsibility for caring for himself. Do not deprive your child of the important and rewarding experience of mastering day-to-day tasks; it can instill pride and self-confidence that can prepare him for adult life. Praise her efforts at assuming responsibility, and applaud yourself for having the wisdom and courage to let her take these very important steps.

Discuss with your doctor your concerns and the limitations you think are reasonable for your child. Using your physician's input, develop some guidelines for sensible restrictions while also encouraging your child to participate in a diversity of activities. Parents need to recognize their children's changing needs and to plan for them.

Most children with chronic illnesses do well in school, develop appropriately and achieve their goals in much the same way that other children do. Most are healthy children who happen to have a chronic illness. While their illness may create certain difficulties, with the support of their parents most lead effective and exciting lives and grow up to become productive adults.

Excerpted from Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12, Bantam 1999


© 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics