Coping and support

Family members can play critical roles in helping children cope with their condition. As a parent, you may want to try the following:

• Treat your child like other children in your family as much as possible.
• Allow your child to express anger about having juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Explain that the disease isn't caused by anything he or she did.
• Encourage your child to participate in physical activities, keeping in mind the recommendations of your child's doctor and physical therapist.
• Discuss your child's condition and the issues surrounding it with teachers and administrators at his or her school.