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.
