Weekly Report
How to explain having COPD to children
Having a chronic disease like COPD affects not only the patient but also family members and loved ones. If you live with children or constantly have them over to visit, they may have difficulty understanding why there are certain things you can’t do with them.
Whether it’s your children, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren, you’ll have to come up with a way to help them grasp the idea of what having COPD means. Though explaining this to children can be quite challenging, it can help to consider an age-appropriate way of talking to them about COPD. Here are some ways you can go about this.
Children 6 years old and younger
Children 3 years old and up already know what it might mean when you talk about “being sick” and “going to the doctor.” Though they may understand a bit, children this age can be quite sensitive as to the absence of a loved one or why a family member cannot play with them as often as they used to. Because they may react more to feelings rather than information, a child may think that they may have done something to cause a loved one’s illness, or that the reason why they can’t get to play with you more often is because you are mad at them.
Explain to them that this is not the case, and that you still love them and want to play with them, but just really don’t feel well. You can say that you want to take them to play or go for ice cream, but you often have trouble breathing. You can instead tell them that you could do something else with them that doesn’t make you too tired.
You may have to remind them again and again that you aren’t mad and still would love to play with them, but your condition keeps you feeling tired. This way, they won’t feel like you are avoiding being with them on purpose.
Babies and very young children may not yet understand what having a chronic disease means, though they may be able to sense the absence of a parent or grandparent who used to spend a lot of time with them. Make sure that the child constantly has someone to attend to their needs. Leaving comforting items like a familiar blanket or favorite toy, along with having a fixed routine, will help them cope much easier.
Children ages 6 to 9
Children this age may have more questions, so it’s a good idea to give them a simple explanation of what the condition is and how it makes you feel sick. Getting them involved in the situation by asking them to help with simple chores and bringing them to doctor or hospital visits can also make them understand you better.
Children 6 to 9 years of age may also be concerned about who will take care of them when you are sick, and may worry when you may not be able to do the things you used to do that concern their set routine. Assure them that everything will be alright and that things will go smoothly because everything has been taken care of.
It’s also great to assure them not to worry too much and that you still love them and want to spend time with them, though there may be limits because of instances when you may not be feeling well.
Children in their preteens (Ages 9 to 12)
Children this age usually have a lot of questions, and can be very curious about your condition. It’s usually a good idea to be honest with them and offer a detailed explanation about COPD and the symptoms that come with it. Preteens are also capable of helping out with various household chores, and may even be delighted to help just so they can make you feel better. You can also have them help prepare your medications and assist in getting your oxygen ready so that they can understand the condition more clearly.
Preteens also have to be reminded that they can still play with their friends and have fun even with the current circumstances. Encourage them to participate in various activities and hobbies, and still spend time with them whenever you can.
Teenagers (Ages 13 and up)
Teenagers have a more mature mindset when it comes to understanding and coping with illness. The best approach is to be completely honest with them when it comes to details about your condition and how it affects your daily life. You can also share various concerns with them, such as how the condition may progress and what treatments are available for you.
Some teens may also be more sensitive as to how the disease affects you, so its best to ask them about their feelings and tell them that they shouldn’t be overly worried. Teens may also be very helpful when it comes to helping in the care of a sick loved one, and can readily assist in various needs and activities. It also helps to talk to them about their concerns and gently correct any misconceptions about the disease.
Again, when explaining COPD to children, it’s best to make sure that your explanation is age-appropriate and not too overwhelming for the child to comprehend. It’s also a good idea to teach children how to call for help whenever an emergency arises.
Though many children may be confused and worried at first, proper communication is the key to ease any worries and help them understand. Being open and gentle with them can help them feel more involved and more capable of helping with the situation.
Do you have other tips for helping children understand COPD? Do share them with us in the comments below!
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Tel:86-0755-23733851
Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
