Health Topics for General Health

School disruptions (related to chronic illness)

Serious illness in a child affects many aspects of the child's life. Absence from school can cause added stress. Makeup schoolwork is usually required for children who are out of school. Too many missed weeks may cause the child to fall behind their classmates.

Private schooling is required when weeks or months at a time are missed from school. Schools are mandated to provide education for children with special healthcare needs. This includes homebound children and those who can still attend school. Parents, a home education agency, or your school district's home schooling program can give home schooling. Joint programs with home and hospital teachers are helpful.

Child life specialists help children cope with hospital stays. They focus on emotional, social, development, and education needs. Art, play, books, and even music are used to help children express their needs and concerns.

Special programs:

• help children cope with their fears and anxieties about their illness and staying in the hospital
• assist children in expressing feelings they cannot put into words
• provide experiences that promote self-esteem
• foster normal growth and development

Sick children need reassurance, diversion, sympathy, and nurturing. They also need the presence of another person to help them get better. Children who are not immune deficient or contagious need to spend time with their friends. This allows them to maintain friendships, play, relieve anxiety, and take their mind off their illness.

Parents can prevent boredom by giving the child many uplifting, challenging, and fun experiences. Activities like games, puzzles, science projects, reading, educational and comedy videos, and drawing can spark the child's creativity and learning. A child's healing is made easier with joy and lots of hugs and love.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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