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Many medical issues can affect a child’s life. Physical disabilities, neurological conditions, and physiological ailments are shared among the world’s population. Unable to use limbs, diabetes and epilepsy, and serious vision or hearing issues are prime examples. As an adult, it is difficult to adapt to new situations following a diagnosis. But, as a child, it can be downright confusing.
Because of their young age, a child may not necessarily understand their condition. However, if kids are one thing, it is resilient. It isn’t uncommon for a child to be back to their usual adventures soon after receiving treatments. Still, it can take some time for them to fully come to terms with or understand the requirements of their illness.
Use Modern Technology
The proliferation of smartphones has had a significant impact on society. More than just a phone, smartphones can be used to play games, listen to music, or use apps. Apps are tiny programs that can be downloaded to a smartphone and used quickly. Many are free, but the ones that aren’t don’t cost much. As with almost anything now, there are numerous medical apps.
Given that 50% of kids aged 5 to 10 now own a smartphone, they can be helpful for specific conditions. For example, apps such as Fooducate can help diabetics understand their dietary requirements. Additionally, new technology for hearing now allows for hearing aid controls to be manipulated directly from smartphones. SeizAlarm can automatically alert an emergency contact when someone with epilepsy experiences a seizure.
Teach Them all They Need to Know
For the most part, all a child wants is to understand what is happening to them. Educating your child as much as possible about their condition will help them in times of stress or need. It will also help them better understand things in the long term and what to do when they need help. You should also inform them about any further treatment that they require.
It might be the case that you don’t fully understand the condition yourself. If this is the case, then you can learn as much as possible from libraries and the internet. There are numerous medical sites written for non-medical professionals. Also, any medical staff will be more than happy to explain illnesses and conditions if you request more information.
Explain Conditions to Siblings and Friends
A stressful time for children who suffer from a severe condition is their treatment by others. Siblings and other kids might give your child a hard time, ask lots of questions, or, in some cases, bully your child. This is primarily because they simply don’t understand how to deal with the situation.
Just like explaining to your child, it will be good to explain what the situation is to other kids. Explaining to schoolmates will help them understand and will therefore help reduce the chances of any incidents. Additionally, explaining to siblings has the added bonus of including them in emergency procedures such as what to do during a seizure or other life-threatening event.
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