How to Talk With Young Child About Asthma

Some children are diagnosed with asthma at a young age. Because they are so young, it can be difficult for them to understand what asthma is or why they have to do certain things that other children do not, such as use an inhaler or nebulizer. When discussing asthma with a young child, you walk a fine line of stressing the importance of following a doctor's instructions without frightening the child. Read on to learn how to talk with a young child about asthma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Children's books about asthma
• Creativity
• Patience
• Reassuring attitude

1. Educate yourself about asthma. Before you can talk to your child about his asthma, you need to understand his condition well yourself. Learn all you can about the condition, anticipating the kinds of questions that your child might have.
2. Gather child-friendly resources. Ask your child's doctor for any child-friendly resources he might have. Also, contact your health insurance provider for child-friendly resources. Some health insurance companies provide free children's books to help you talk with your child about asthma.
3. Think about ways to make the treatments fun. Buy stickers so your child can decorate his spacer. Invent a story that turns the nebulizer into a mask for an astronaut who is exploring other planets.
4. Talk with your child about his asthma. Use the resources that you have compiled to explain asthma in a way that your child can understand. Talk about how he sometimes feels funny when he tries to breathe, and let him know that his doctor has a plan to make that funny feeling go away.
5. Introduce the asthma equipment. Focus on one piece of equipment at a time, and use your creative ideas to make the equipment seem less scary. As you explain what a spacer is, encourage your child to put stickers on it. Read your child a story about a child using a nebulizer as he explores the equipment.
6. Answer your child's questions. Your child is likely to have many questions about asthma. Answer those questions honestly in an age-appropriate manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you are upset about your child's diagnosis, stay calm and relaxed when discussing your child's asthma with him. Use your voice, tone, and body language to communicate that everything is going to be OK.
• Make the asthma treatments as fun as possible so your child will look forward to them instead of dreading them.
• Be firm about following all of the doctor's instructions, even if your child resists treatment. Talk to your doctor about strategies if your child continues to resist treatment.
• Consult a doctor with any questions or concerns. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.