This Blog Features…
- Chronic pain is a lot to deal with alone, but when children are thrown into the mix, it can make managing your day-to-day even harder.
- Talking to your child about chronic pain can help your child understand your abilities and limitations.
- The Pain Center of Arizona is sharing effective ways to talk to your child about your condition in an age-appropriate way.
The pain management specialists at The Pain Center of Arizona understand communicating your needs to a child may be stressful or upsetting as a parent, but you shouldn’t opt out of the endeavor altogether. Doing so may put added pressure and stress on to your family’s dynamic. It’s important to be honest with your child. Consider these pointers for talking to your children about your chronic pain:
Simplicity is Key
Your child will eventually understand what’s happening to you, but until then, it’s vital you speak to them in a way they’ll understand. You can point to yourself and say “[Mommy/Daddy] is not feeling well. [Mommy/Daddy] has a “boo boo,’” or whatever language is familiar to your child. Be sure to keep it simple and have someone else around to support whatever it is your child needs.
Provide Them Comfort
Your child may get confused about your current health status and fear for your life. Children may also assume your condition means your going to die or that you’re contagious. Take the time to reassure them and provide them comfort when they’re scared.
Listen to Them
Depending on your child’s age, your condition could be very difficult to process. Listen to their concerns and ask them questions about how they feel. Encourage your children to be open with you so that there is little confusion about what’s going on with you and your pain.
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including Phoenix, Anthem, Surprise, Mesa, Gilbert, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and now Prescott and Tucson! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.