Help your child find others with whom he/she can communicate about the chronic illness

You and your child will likely develop a special bond as a result of the experiences and time you spend together. You will be an important source of support for your child. In addition, your child will benefit from developing other relationships of support. Many children with chronic illnesses feel different and isolated, and being around others with the same illness often helps them feel less isolated and different.

Your health care providers may be able to put you in contact with a family who has a child with the same/similar diagnosis. Perhaps it will be a family who has experienced similar treatment, and whose child is now off treatment (i.e. cancer). They may also be able to inform you of camps or support groups for children with specific diagnoses.

Friendships that develop at camps often continue when the children return home, and visits or e-mails can be great sources of support throughout the coming year. Having contact with another young person who truly understands what you are experiencing can validate the child’s experiences, and aid in developing health coping strategies.

There are many famous people and athletes who have experienced chronic illnesses in childhood. This knowledge can be especially empowering to a child, and help them feel hopeful about their future.

Skills List

1. Learn about your child’s illness and treatment
2. Commmunicate openly with your children
3. Help your child learn to cope with life changes
4. Help your other children, spouse and extended family cope
5. Prepare your child for procedures and hospitalization
6. Maintain as much normalcy as possible
7. Set limits, and provide discipline
8. Continue normal expectations for your child
9. Communicate with your child’s school
10. Help your child explain the illness to others
11. Accept help graciously
12. Empower your child
13. Help your child find a buddy with the same illness
14. Handle (unsolicited) advice 
15. Take care of yourself

 

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For more information, please contact:

Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
kdavis2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-6305