Family Challenges When Children Have Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two chronic disorders that commonly affect children. If you are the parent of a child with IBD, you will know that the management of the disease in your child presents special challenges. The disease can cause great strain within the family unit, and even the strongest families may find it difficult to cope with the stress of having a child with a chronic illness, for which there is no cure. This can be particularly difficult when children are very young and do not know what is happening to them. Trying to explain to children why they are not feeling well is never easy.

 

Parents may find it more difficult to cope with the symptoms, medications, hospitalizations, and prospect of possible surgery associated with their child's disease than the child does. For the most part, children tend to be very resilient and adapt well to new situations and new challenges, especially when given appropriate support. The support of parents, other family members, and the health-care team can help the child meet the challenges ahead. The support of friends and teachers is also important.