Talking with Your Family
While it's important to talk to your child about her asthma, also remember to talk to family members about her condition — both about what she needs and also what they need in terms of monitoring and understanding it. Talking openly with everyone in the family is important in successfully managing asthma.
Feelings of jealousy or resentment could be triggered among siblings if they perceive the asthmatic child is getting special treatment or extra attention from you. Think of it: the asthmatic child may get out of vacuuming her room or she automatically gets the top bunk so she can avoid allergens while she sleeps. Or, a trip or family event may be delayed or postponed if an asthmatic episode occurs.
Essential
Rather than let resentments related to the asthmatic child build up among family members, make sure everyone meets together once a week — like a team — to discuss the current situation. Have them speak together about what their concerns are and why they feel the way they do.
Talk to all the children honestly, and explain how they all have to work together to help support asthma management in the household. In particular, they may need to find ways to keep down triggers such as dust, mold, or animal danders in your home.
This may sometimes involve difficult decisions such as removing a family pet or no longer eating snacks in the family room on the sofa. However, all family members should feel they have some input in reaching goals.
When Families Separate
When parents separate or divorce, it can be a traumatic time for a family. When at least one of the children in that family has a chronic illness such as asthma, new challenges can be thrown into the situation — such as who will pay for various aspects of care.
This is one of those times that differences should be put aside — for the sake of your child with asthma. This means committing yourselves to maintaining a smoke-free environment at home and in vehicles, and removing sources of possible asthma triggers such as pets. It also means not arguing in front of the child about her asthma and its treatment.
To help, work with your child's physician on drawing up a plan incorporating what is needed to treat and control his asthma every day. It will help your child to know that his parents are both on the same page when it comes to managing his asthma symptoms.
