Chronic illness, especially kidney failure, is difficult for parents and children alike. What children can handle depends on their age and developmental maturity. Parents must know what their children can understand and how they will react to certain medical procedures. Birth - 12 mo. Rapid growth and development.
First year is the time to develop trust.
Limited understanding and unable to reason. Striving for independence, without regard for safety. Language skills developing. Through play, they practice behaviors, learn new concepts and communicate thoughts. They fear separation and possess a short attention span.