How to Talk to a Child About Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Explain what is physically is in words your child can understand., Explain how arthritis can affect a child mentally., Talk to your child about pain-coping methods. , Talk to your child about how arthritis affects peoples' lives., Inform your child...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Explain what is physically is in words your child can understand.
For example, say, "Arthritis is a disease that makes joints get inflamed.
You know when you scraped your knee last week and it got red and puffy? Well, arthritis makes joints
- like knees and elbows
- always red and puffy." Make sure your child understands everything you are saying, and adjust your vocabulary to accommodate his/her age and maturity. -
Step 2: Explain how arthritis can affect a child mentally.
A kid with arthritis may get frustrated because they can't always do the things other kids can.
It is okay to have these feelings of frustration and kids with arthritis can also be very happy.
They should be treated just like other kids. ,, Say things like, "If a person has arthritis, they may not be able to run as fast or keep up with everyone else.
That's okay though, because there are many things children with arthritis can do. , This will create a positive inspiration and will motivate them to be the best that they can be even with arthritic joints. , If they ask, "Why me?"
remind them that it will shape who they are. ,, Some kids may become ill or sick from treatments, or they may have to take lots of medicine and get lots of shots. , Make sure to summarize what you have covered. -
Step 3: Talk to your child about pain-coping methods.
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Step 4: Talk to your child about how arthritis affects peoples' lives.
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Step 5: Inform your child that a lot of famous people and even athletes have arthritis.
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Step 6: If your child has been diagnosed with arthritis
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Step 7: remind them that you are always there for them to talk to.
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Step 8: If your child has a friend with arthritis
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Step 9: remind them to support their friend and not tell them to hurry up or become impatient with them.
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Step 10: Talk to your child about treatments for arthritis.
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Step 11: Finally
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Step 12: ask if your child has any questions and address them in an honest way.
Detailed Guide
For example, say, "Arthritis is a disease that makes joints get inflamed.
You know when you scraped your knee last week and it got red and puffy? Well, arthritis makes joints
- like knees and elbows
- always red and puffy." Make sure your child understands everything you are saying, and adjust your vocabulary to accommodate his/her age and maturity.
A kid with arthritis may get frustrated because they can't always do the things other kids can.
It is okay to have these feelings of frustration and kids with arthritis can also be very happy.
They should be treated just like other kids. ,, Say things like, "If a person has arthritis, they may not be able to run as fast or keep up with everyone else.
That's okay though, because there are many things children with arthritis can do. , This will create a positive inspiration and will motivate them to be the best that they can be even with arthritic joints. , If they ask, "Why me?"
remind them that it will shape who they are. ,, Some kids may become ill or sick from treatments, or they may have to take lots of medicine and get lots of shots. , Make sure to summarize what you have covered.
About the Author
James Gordon
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in pet care and beyond.
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