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Helping Your Child Fit In

Tips to Help Your Child

  • Knowledge is key. Help your child learn about his or her bleeding disorder. Be certain your child knows how to express medical, physical, and social needs to others. Help your child learn how to set appropriate limits on physical activity with friends.
  • Encourage your child to express his or her feelings about the bleeding disorder, its treatment, and any other body issues. Talk to your child about how the bleeding disorder may impact both daily living and plans for the future. Discuss problems with peers and how to handle awkward situations.
  • Encourage your child to socialize. Socializing with other people with bleeding disorders can be a beneficial experience. Kids can connect in person through camp, chapter events, the National Hemophilia Foundation Annual Meeting, Washington Days, and other events. They can also explore different ways to connect with others online.
  • Get professional help for your child. If your child is showing any signs of depression or is having difficulty dealing with their bleeding disorder, seek help from the staff at the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC). Your child’s HTC can be a good place to start to find mental health professionals in your area who treat depression and other emotional issues in children and teens.
  • Discuss ways to manage stress. Know the signs of stress and teach your child strategies to successfully manage stress.
  • Practice positive conflict resolution. Is your child acting out? Practice positive conflict resolution by listening, being flexible, clearly stating needs, and exercising respectful negotiation.
To learn more about reducing stress, go to Managing Stress.
Bullying is more common than you might think. To learn the signs that your child may be being bullied, go to Sticking Up for Yourself.