Typing Homework

If the child has arthritis in the hands, writing might be difficult. Instead of writing, try letting them type. If this is easier for them, you can go and talk to the child´s teacher and maybe they can let the child do their school work on the computer.

Cooking

Try letting your child or teenager help you cook. Teenagers might find out that they really like cooking. Cooking can be a real good hobby for teenagers and it can help get their minds off other things. Never let young children cook by themselves though, but that does not mean they could not help you. Cooking might make children with arthritis feel like they are useful.

Environment

A supportive environment in very important for a child or teen with arthritis. It will help them feel like they are not alone and it will also help the stress.

How To Treat Your Child

Treat the child with arthritis, as much as possible, like the other children in the family.

Backpacks

Carry a backpack instead of a tote bag. It will even out the load instead of pulling down on one side. This will help keep your back and shoulders from hurting as bad.

Puzzles

If you have a child or teen with arthritis, it can be hard to find activities for them to do. Putting together puzzles is a great hobby for children or teens. It will keep them seated and can keep them busy for hours. There are all different kinds of puzzles and you can find different levels to match the age of your child.

Assignments

Make arrangements with the child or teen´s teacher so assignments can be sent home when the child has to miss school with their arthritis.

Siblings

If there are other children in the house, they may become jealous of the child with arthritis. Try to explain to them what is the matter with the child that has arthritis. Also take time out and pay attention to each child separately.

Poetry/Story Writing

Most children have very creative minds. Try encouraging writing. It will be very helpful when they get into high school. Who knows? They might write a poem or story that will be published.

Drawing

Drawing or painting is a great way to express your feelings. The great thing about art is that all ages can do it. You just don´t need to allow them to do it for a long period of time if they have arthritis in the hands.

Being Different

One of the hardest things for a child with arthritis to accept, is that they are different. Children and young teens want to fit in and they hate anything that makes them different. My advice is to try to explain to them that everyone is different. Also tell them that what makes them different is what makes them special.

Diets

Children and teens with arthritis may have poor appetites or gain weight due to medication or not being active. A well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight.

Between Classes

Talk to the child´s or teen´s teacher about allowing them extra time between classes, to prevent them from having to rush and so they are not late.

Reading

Reading is a great hobby that all ages can do. If the child is too young to read, you could always read to them. Reading is a very relaxing. There are all types of books, so the possibilities are endless.

Heavy Books

If your child or teen that has arthritis has problems caring heavy books back and forth from school, you may want to go and talk to their teacher and ask about keeping a set of books at home and another at school. This will keep the child from having to carry them back and forth.

Family Game Night

It is very important that you do things together as a family. Sometimes, it can be hard to find things the whole family can do together when there is a child with disabilties. Try to spend one night, at least every other week, playing board games or cards.

Models

Car models are great hobbies for teens and children 10 and older. Boys are mainly the ones who are most interested in putting car models together, but who knows your daughter might too. There are different levels of car models. Level one is usually the ones where you just snap the parts together, but as the child or teen gets older they might enjoy moving to a higher level where they will paint and glue.

Physical Activities

Encourage your child to participate in physical activities, if the doctor/therapist approves.

Being Different

One of the hardest things for a child with arthritis to accept, is that they are different. Children and young teens want to fit in and they hate anything that makes them different. My advice is to try to explain to them that everyone is different. Also tell them that what makes them different is what makes them special.

Anger

Allow your child to express anger about having arthritis. Explain to them, that arthritis is not caused by anything he or she did.