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Step 1
Animate the explanation. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis involves the body's immune system. The body sends its soldiers to the joints looking for an infection to fight, but the soldiers can't find anything. They stay in the joints, which become red and swollen. This causes the symptoms of stiff joints, weak muscles and tiredness.
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Step 2
Describe what to expect in the long run. Use terms the doctors use and define the terms with plain words. The child should expect periods of remission. This means symptoms get better or go away. The child should also expect exacerbations or flare ups. These are times when the symptoms will be worse. These flare ups and remissions could go on for as long as ten years.
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Step 3
Preempt blame. It's natural for a child to want to place blame for the illness. Explain that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is no one's fault. The tendency to get the illness is genetic. This means the parents pass down the tendency, but not the illness. A virus or infection then sets off the illness.
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Step 4
Talk about exercise. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis won't prevent playtime and sports, but it may change them. During flare ups pain may limit exercise. During remission exercise will keep joints moving well and muscles strong.
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Step 5
Discuss who to tell. Teachers, coaches and selected friends will need to learn about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Decide what they should be told. Plan how the child can participate in the conversation.
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Step 6
Focus on the positive. The treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis produces excellent results. Treatment includes medicine, exercise, a healthy diet and good medical care.
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Step 7
Invite reaction. Allow the child to vent about having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Show you have heard the child's feelings by restating in your own words. This encourages the child to elaborate and explore those feelings.
