Helping children when and where they need it most

When children have medical conditions, monitoring their physical health and managing their treatment are top priorities for parents. However, they may also need support for emotional issues. Kids are wonderfully resilient. But whether they’re living with an ongoing challenge like food allergies or asthma, or they’re in treatment for an illness like cancer, a medical condition can trigger anxiety, depression or behavior problems.

This week on childmind.org we explore how families can support children emotionally when they’re dealing with chronic illness. Our experts stress the importance of maintaining normal routines and expectations, and being open (in an age-appropriate way) about the illness. And they note that dealing with your own challenging feelings is crucial, since kids pick up on their parents’ fear and anxiety.

- Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉

Mental Health in Kids With Chronic Illness

Emotional support for children with medical conditions.

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How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids

Techniques to manage stress in a healthy way.

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Getting Family Members on Board With Treatment

Kids do best when the adults close to them work together.

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What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious

How to respect feelings without empowering fears.

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Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers

Signs your child might be more than moody.

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Siblings Under Stress

When one child is in crisis, the other kids need monitoring and support, too.

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