A while back, I had the pleasure of
catching up with a teacher I had in high school. We spoke about the usual things, how we both were, how school was going, etc. I asked how
her children were, she told me that her youngest had been diagnosed with Celiac disease. We talked about that for a while and how hard it has
been on her daughter.
I've been thinking a lot since then and this is my advice to parents of a child with an illness.As a child who dealt with being sick a lot when she was younger, going through tests, doctors and the process of diagnosis, I feel as though I have a lot perspective on this.
First and foremost, listen to your child. Let them talk to you about what is going on, let them tell you their opinion about the situation and how they are feeling before you put in your own opinions, (depending on the age of your child--ultimately you'll know what age is right). It's important to children that they know you are actually listening to them; I think letting them express their opinions and feelings first shows that you are listening. My point is you will never really know how your child feels about a situation and how it bothers them if you push your opinions and feelings on them first before they can express their own.
Next, I would say try to keep their life as "normal" as possible. For one, being a child with an illness they already feel different than everyone else, the normal they always pictured has changed. Which is something that they may or may not be able to handle. Make sure they don't spend all their time between simply school, the doctors, and home; leave time for them to be with friends, after school events and such. Encourage them to participate in activities at school whether it's a sport or a club. Being involved in something they enjoy with their friends can make a world of a difference, they might not realize then but it does. If possible try not to schedule doctor's appointments and tests, the day of or after an big event for them. No one wants to spend the day after a big school event like a school dance, prom or such having tests done.
First and foremost, listen to your child. Let them talk to you about what is going on, let them tell you their opinion about the situation and how they are feeling before you put in your own opinions, (depending on the age of your child--ultimately you'll know what age is right). It's important to children that they know you are actually listening to them; I think letting them express their opinions and feelings first shows that you are listening. My point is you will never really know how your child feels about a situation and how it bothers them if you push your opinions and feelings on them first before they can express their own.
Next, I would say try to keep their life as "normal" as possible. For one, being a child with an illness they already feel different than everyone else, the normal they always pictured has changed. Which is something that they may or may not be able to handle. Make sure they don't spend all their time between simply school, the doctors, and home; leave time for them to be with friends, after school events and such. Encourage them to participate in activities at school whether it's a sport or a club. Being involved in something they enjoy with their friends can make a world of a difference, they might not realize then but it does. If possible try not to schedule doctor's appointments and tests, the day of or after an big event for them. No one wants to spend the day after a big school event like a school dance, prom or such having tests done.
Make sure to keep them in the loop. They are just as scared and worried with what is going on if not more. You might think it makes it worse but it does help them knowing what is going on and knowing what they may be facing. Especially when it comes to the tests they have to have and such.
Lastly, make sure you give them lots of hugs and tell them you love them. There is nothing worse than feeling as if you are going through something as scary as a diagnosis alone, which can be extremely hard on a child. Hold their hand and comfort them when they need it but at the same time don't suffocate them.
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