Let’s be honest, managing chronic conditions as adults is no easy feat. But how it would impact a child’s growing years has more to it than what meets the eye. Chronic health conditions can be life-altering not just for the kid but also for the parents. As a parent, you know what’s best for their health – managing physician appointments, monitoring, adherence. However, if your child has a chronic health condition, you get the best outcomes when they are a part of this journey.
A child’s physical development and wellness is a priority. So after the diagnosis of a health issue like diabetes, heart disease, or a chronic neurological condition, the insistence on medicine schedules, diagnostic tests, and clinic visits gain hyper-focus. Doctors have pointed out a rise in non-communicable diseases in children, with the rate of children with diabetes in particular, doubling over a span of five years. While managing healthcare and lifestyle changes is crucial, how these changes and demands impact their mental health tend to go unnoticed.
From extracurricular activities to nutritional needs, there can be significant differences between the daily routine of children with chronic health conditions and their peers. For children with type 1 diabetes, the need for regular glucose checks and insulin administration could mean an interruption in swimming lessons or sleepovers. Similarly, mealtimes can feel alienating if your plate looks different from that of your friends. As a caregiver of a child managing type 1 diabetes, whether your kid is eating that cake at a friend’s birthday, or missing their glucose fluctuation is always on your mind. However, looking beyond physical health, let’s talk about how it impacts a child’s mental health too, which in turn affects their ability to manage the chronic health condition.
Embracing The Difference
Transparent communication with the child, about their health condition, can make them aware and help to build trust. Using positive language to explain their health condition and reason with them can be more helpful than giving them a rule book of do’s and don’ts. A thorough understanding of their symptoms and triggers can empower them to cope with episodes and motivate them to follow a healthy lifestyle that minimizes the likelihood of these events.
An open dialogue allows the child to understand their circumstances, while sharing their needs and feelings. Another way to give children a sense of control is to involve them in planning their schedules. Simple tasks like choosing a fruit for a snack or helping to measure ingredients can turn nutrition into an engaging exercise. Including them in meal planning and preparation, making them a part of decisions regarding their bedtime and playtime, could foster a sense of responsibility and health consciousness, while also teaching them valuable life skills.
In a home that encourages honest conversations, a child can better express themselves to their caregivers and parents. Encouraging questions and ensuring you’re resource-ready will help you assuage their fears and help them navigate this journey. With open communication, children can learn to embrace their unique routines without feeling left behind by their peers.
The common goal is ensuring the child feels truly heard, understood, and accepted by creating an environment where their voice and experiences are valued without judgment or stigma.
Building support
Another way to build a system for the child comes through in supportive therapy. Therapy isn't just about fixing problems, it's about giving children the tools to thrive. Art therapy lets them express their feelings through colors and shapes, while play therapy helps them process difficult experiences in a safe, fun way. Cognitive-behavioral techniques teach them valuable coping skills, like how to manage anxiety or frustration. And family therapy brings everyone together, creating a stronger support system for both the child and their loved ones.
It's not about a one-size-fits-all approach. Therapists tailor their techniques to each child's age and needs, creating a path to understanding and growth.
Caregivers' path to building a full life
For parents, witnessing a child's health struggles can take an emotional toll. Seeking help through support groups or counseling can give you the tools you need by learning from each other and navigate this challenge together. Keeping your mental health a priority reflects not only for your wellbeing but also for your child’s— children can be perceptive and tend to mirror the mood of their environment.
Addressing chronic health conditions for the young ones needs significant adjustment – from mindset shifts to lifestyle changes, not just for the child but for the parents as well. While adopting these changes is key to managing the condition, keeping a check on the child’s mental health will make the big leaps we hope to achieve, and empower them with the life they want to build for themselves.
So let's break down the barriers of stigma and create a world where these children feel supported and accepted. By opening conversations about health challenges, we can push kids to be advocates for themselves and their peers. This means building a community where every child feels safe to share their experiences, learn from each other, and embrace their unique journey, ultimately leading to a future where everyone can thrive.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
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