Siblings also worry about their ill brother or sister, worry about their parents, and worry that they might get the disorder, too. Therefore, it is important for parents to spend time with their other children to provide a sense of security and to help them cope. Parents should explain the illness to their other children and try to get them to ask questions and to express their concerns. Parents need to maintain open lines of communication with all of their children. Whenever possible, parents should try to schedule and spend individual time with their other children to help them feel important and loved.
Many chronic illnesses disrupt a child's schooling.
Parents should talk about what the other children in the class should be told about their child's illness. They should try to develop a plan to help their child keep up with schoolwork when he or she can't attend school. Hopefully the above suggestions will help your child cope effectively with his or her chronic illness. Parents who are concerned that their child is having significant problems coping should discuss these concerns with their child's health care provider. If necessary, they should request a referral to a mental health professional with experience working with children with the same illness.