7 ways you can support your child through chronic illness

Chronic illnesses (or long-term health conditions) present a range of symptoms and have varying impacts on everyday life. Examples include, but are not limited to, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and anxiety.

If you’re reading this article, you may have experienced some of the practical, emotional and spiritual challenges that come with managing chronic conditions. As a parent, you’ll understand the difficulty and heartache of watching your child grapple with physical and mental hurdles.

This article offers seven ways to guide and support your child through chronic illness while looking after your own well-being, drawing from my own family’s experience with fatigue and pain (read more about our journey here).

1. Encourage your child to express their emotions and fears