Helping Your Child Deal With Asthma

When a child has asthma, they can experience all sorts of emotions, from fear or anger to sadness, or even depression.

And it's normal for a child to have negative feelings sometimes.

But when those feelings get in the way of your child's asthma treatment, you need to take action.

Now, when a child throws a temper tantrum to avoid taking medicine, or refuses to take their inhaler to school, your first reaction might be to get mad and punish your child.

But that's not going to be as helpful as figuring out the emotions behind the behavior, and then finding ways to replace that behavior with positive action.

For example, maybe the temper tantrum is because your toddler is afraid of the nebulizer, or just frustrated by having to use it again and again.

So try letting your child play doctor, with you as the patient.

Have them put the mask on you, and explain to you why it's important, and that there's nothing to be afraid of.

Or maybe your older child leaves their inhaler behind because they're embarrassed by it, because it makes them feel different.

So help your child understand that taking their medicine actually gives them more control over their life and their activities.

Explain that no one is perfect, and that asthma is just one small part of their life.

Remember that every child is different, and these are just examples of some of the feelings and behaviors that children with asthma may have.

You'll need to pay close attention to your child and find ways to help them feel more positive.

Children who have a lot of trouble dealing with their emotions, may benefit from seeing a counselor.

Your main goal is to make sure your child is getting the asthma treatment they need.

So think back to a time when your child had a negative reaction to their treatment, and imagine a couple of ways you could respond if something like that happens again.

Removing the emotional barriers that get in the way of treatment, will help your child be healthier and happier.