Lupus is a disorder that can affect children. This is caused by the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body, instead has a negative impact on itself, also known as autoimmune disease. Children who suffer from this disease certainly need to be given education so that they understand the conditions that attack them. How is it educated? Here’s the answer!

Some Ways to Educate Children About Lupus Disease That Affects Him

The biggest problem in children with chronic diseases such as lupus is the uncertainty of the conditions that will occur. Children who experience this problem may feel fine, but the pain lasts a few hours afterward. This may make the child experience confusion about the condition he is experiencing. Therefore, everyone needs to provide education about the lupus disease that occurs to him.

There are many different ways to teach children and adolescents after being diagnosed with lupus. The method that can be selected can be adjusted to the age and level of maturity of the child. As a parent, the mother must be really patient and slow to give an explanation while looking for the right words so that the child can easily understand.

Of course this focuses on the following facts:

• Explain to your child that having lupus is not your fault. There is nothing that can be done or prevented from the cause.
• Lupus is not a contagious disease, you can’t catch it or pass it on to other people.
• Lupus is not a type of cancer, although people with it may have to take the same medications as people with cancer.

Well, here’s a method that can be done according to the age of the child:

Preschool: 3 to 5 years

Children aged between 3-5 years tend to be very literal in their understanding. He may think that “this disease is because of his bad attitude” or “it will get better if he acts well.” At this age, children don’t need a lot of information about lupus, but some easy-to-understand basics need to be given. Some points that can be conveyed, among others:

• Having lupus doesn’t mean your little one did anything bad or made a mistake.
• Lupus can make the body feel tired and sick in several parts of the body.
• The doctor will give you medicine to help your child feel better.
• Make sure to always take your medicine on time every day to get better.
• If your child feels sick, teach them to tell their parents, teachers, and other adults.

Elementary School: 5 to 10 years

Children who have reached elementary school will think concretely and abstractly. Your little one may already be able to understand that if he has lupus, it’s not his fault, even though he can’t get rid of the burden. Encourage your child to ask questions about their illness to better understand their condition. Use these points when in a conversation:

• Having lupus is not your own fault or that you have done anything wrong.
• Children can still go to school, play with friends, and do something productive.
• This disorder can make a person feel tired, sick, and sore .
• If you feel unwell, make sure your child tells a parent, teacher, or other adult.
• The doctor will give very important medicines to continue to take him.
• Mothers should make sure the teacher knows about the child’s condition.
• It is also okay to tell classmates so they understand if one day the child suddenly does not come to school.
• Make sure to wash your hands frequently during the day and try to stay away from classmates who are sick so they don’t get infected.
• By educating children about all things related to lupus. Some of these methods are expected to make the child understand more about his condition, so he accepts it with grace and is more careful to maintain his health.