But, anytime illness is involved, parenting can be overwhelming. Developing skills for setting limits with care and deliberation, learning to recognize and support your children's accomplishments, and knowing how to use positive discipline are invaluable for every parent. These skills help parents develop confidence, a sense of control and mastery in providing for the health of the family. Many find help in parenting skill books. Others take classes offered through schools, children's agencies or private clinicians in most communities.
Individual counseling is also available for short term or long term parenting problem support.
Schools Attending day care or school is a central, normative activity in the life of a child. When HIV is a component, parents need to understand their local school district's policies about HIV, disclosure, and practices. At the same time, it is important to stay alert for any discriminatory practices when choosing a school. Legal intervention may be necessary in areas that are slow to address the needs of children with disabilities, or provide equal education opportunities. Some school districts offer specialized services to children coping with illness.