How to Talk to Your Kids About Multiple Sclerosis
Once you learn you have multiple sclerosis (MS), it may take you some time to adjust to your symptoms and to know what to expect from your disease. The same goes for your children. They might be even less sure of what to expect than you are. They might also feel scared, sad, angry, or helpless about your diagnosis.
The most important thing to do is to talk to your children about how MS affects you and see what they’re thinking. Open communication can help you ease their fears, answer their questions, and let them know how you feel.
10 Questions About Multiple Sclerosis
There are four types: Relapsing-remitting. This is the most common form. You have flare-ups followed by periods without symptoms, called recovery. Primary-progressive. With this type, you do not get the ups and downs. Your symptoms get worse over time. Secondary-progressive. You get flares and recovery periods at the start, then symptoms steadily worsen. Progressive-relapsing. This form is very rare. Symptoms worsen from the start. You experience...
Read the 10 Questions About Multiple Sclerosis article > >
Before you sit down with your child, think about her age, maturity level, and how much you think she can understand about your disease. If you have more than one child, it may be helpful to talk to them individually so you can make the discussion right for each of them.
Don’t be surprised if your kids already know that something is up before you talk about it with them. Children of all ages are good at knowing when things are different. But you may want to ask them how they would like to learn more about MS. They can start by reading a book alone or with you, watching a video, or going with you to a doctor's visit.
Sometimes normal emotions like fear, sadness, or guilt may lead to changes in a child’s behavior. Here are some signs to watch for in your child:
You may want to get professional help for your child if she:
The most important thing to do is to talk to your children about how MS affects you and see what they’re thinking. Open communication can help you ease their fears, answer their questions, and let them know how you feel.
Recommended Related to Multiple Sclerosis
10 Questions About Multiple Sclerosis
There are four types: Relapsing-remitting. This is the most common form. You have flare-ups followed by periods without symptoms, called recovery. Primary-progressive. With this type, you do not get the ups and downs. Your symptoms get worse over time. Secondary-progressive. You get flares and recovery periods at the start, then symptoms steadily worsen. Progressive-relapsing. This form is very rare. Symptoms worsen from the start. You experience...
Read the 10 Questions About Multiple Sclerosis article > >
Starting the Conversation
Before you sit down with your child, think about her age, maturity level, and how much you think she can understand about your disease. If you have more than one child, it may be helpful to talk to them individually so you can make the discussion right for each of them.
Don’t be surprised if your kids already know that something is up before you talk about it with them. Children of all ages are good at knowing when things are different. But you may want to ask them how they would like to learn more about MS. They can start by reading a book alone or with you, watching a video, or going with you to a doctor's visit.
Children's Reactions to Multiple Sclerosis
Sometimes normal emotions like fear, sadness, or guilt may lead to changes in a child’s behavior. Here are some signs to watch for in your child:
- More focus on her own body and wellness
- Not wanting to spend time with close friends
- Higher anxiety and stress
- Trying to act older or younger than she is
- Behaving badly in public
- Lying to friends about your illness
- Temper tantrums
- Waiting until you’re tired at the end of day to ask for things (such as help with homework)
- Doing poorly in school
- Nightmares, bed-wetting, and trouble falling asleep.
You may want to get professional help for your child if she:
- Is depressed
- Has severe behavior problems or ones that don’t go away
- Can’t sleep or has nightmares for over a month
- Isn’t hungry or eats too much
- Loses interest in schoolwork or hobbies
- Has mood swings or changes in her personality
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