Children

Behaviour
For children to develop into independent, self–reliant adults, they need room to grow. Taking reasonable risks is an important part of growing up. In fact, taking risks helps children learn what their abilities and limitations are. Many parents have a tendency to overprotect their child with epilepsy, imposing excessive restrictions on normal activities. Perhaps this feeling to constantly supervise the child stems from the parent's inability to control the seizures. Because the child with epilepsy is believed to be more vulnerable or fragile than other children, parents have a tendency to build a protective environment around them. Although this is understandable, it is usually unnecessary and may actually be harmful to the child. Placing unwarranted restrictions on activities can isolate a child from his peers. Also, the child who can’t do what the other kids are doing begins to feel different and feelings of inferiority and dependence can develop.

Fortunately, in the majority of cases, there’s no reason for parents to lack confidence in their child’s ability to manage outside the family. Most children with seizure disorders can lead normal, active lives. With the opportunity to explore beyond the home, your child will have the chance to grow up into a secure, independent adult who can find happiness and fulfilment in many things.

Taking precautions within the bounds of reason
Of course, allowing your child to participate in activities does not mean that you can’t take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. To know when to let go and when not to, rests on how well your child's seizures are controlled, and the particular situation at hand. Your doctor will give you the best advice on what your child's specific limitations are. You should always consult him or her on all aspects of your child's care.

The difference between letting go and discipline
Giving your child room to grow doesn’t mean the child should be allowed to behave any way he or she pleases. The trouble is that many parents are afraid to discipline their child with epilepsy at all, for fear the child will have a seizure. But a seizure will not happen simply because a child does not get his or her own way! The fact is that children with epilepsy need some form of discipline–just like other children. Epilepsy is no excuse to allow a child to misbehave. Another consideration is that if your other children are expected to live according to certain rules, while the child with epilepsy is not, resentment on the part of the brothers and sisters can develop – and that would be disruptive to the whole family.

The best thing to do is to establish rules for acceptable behaviour for all members of your family – and stick to them!

School
As a parent you can help create an accepting environment by meeting with teachers and other school officials before your child enters school. It is important that you take the time to discuss epilepsy with the teachers and tell them how it affects your child. The more information you give the teacher about your child’s condition the more they will be attuned to your child’s needs.

• Discuss your child’s epilepsy. Explain what type of seizure disorder your child has. Let the teacher know that your child is on medication to control seizures, any side effects of the medication as well as “What to do” if your child should have a seizure in the classroom. Also leave a contact number in case the school needs to contact you.
  
• Discuss the types of extracurricular activities your child is able to participate in. In general, children whose seizures are well–controlled should be encouraged to participate in any activity if reasonable precautions are taken.
  
• Let the school know about any changes affecting your child’s health, for example, if medication is being adjusted, if your child is having seizures at home which may be making them tired, if they are on a special diet, or if there are difficulties with behavior.
  
• Ask the teacher to let you know if the child is behaving different from their usual behaviour.

The Epilepsy Centre can arrange for an information kit to be sent to the school and our Education Officer is available to conduct a lecture to both staff and students.

You need time for yourself, too
Try to make sure you get a chance to have some time to yourself. To get this free time, plan ahead. Consider leaving your child with a baby–sitter. It’s good for your child to see that you aren’t afraid to leave him or her. It also gives your child a wonderful opportunity to interact with people outside the immediate family.

Finding a baby-sitter
Whomever you find to baby–sit, you must leave that person with specific instructions – what to do if a seizure occurs, with whom they should get in touch and so on. It’s a good idea, if possible, to have a sitter come by the house before he or she stays alone with your child. This will help the sitter to get to know your child and the routine in your home. It will also give your child time to get to know the sitter.

What to do if your child has a seizure while in the care of the baby-sitter
A plan of action should be discussed between the parents and the baby-sitter in case the child has a seizure including first-aid and a contact number.

Phone numbers:
Parents can be reached at: ............................................
Physician: ....................................................................
Neighbour (if you need help): ..........................................
Closest relative: ............................................................

This information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended, nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice. Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified professional.