Help your child take control

Little ones may not understand what asthma is or why it needs to be treated, but by being open with them, and explaining the condition, you can help them take control of their asthma.

When you first heard the doctor say, “Your child has asthma,” you probably had a lot of questions and concerns. And, just as you want answers, your child also needs to understand what asthma means.

If your child understands the basics—how asthma affects breathing—then the reasons for asthma treatment will make more sense, and should make it easier for him or her to participate in his or her treatment.

The right approach is important

The best approach when talking to your child is to be positive, open, and honest. Tell your child that asthma symptoms and attacks can be prevented by taking medicine for them before these attacks and symptoms occur. This will help him or her realize that while asthma can't be ignored, it does not need to take over his or her life. Your child should not be frightened about having asthma or feel that he or she can’t do things that children without asthma can do.

The EVERYDAYKIDZ Web site can help your child see that, with treatment, asthma does not have to keep him or her from playing, going to school, or doing almost anything an everyday kid does. Some of the tools within the EVERYDAYKIDZ site were designed to assist you in teaching your child about what is going on in his or her body and how the treatments work.

Let your kid talk back

It’s equally important to help your child talk to you about asthma. The more comfortable and knowledgeable your child is in talking about how he or she feels and what symptoms he or she is experiencing, the easier it will be for you to keep track of his or her condition. Then you can report this information back to the doctor to help ensure your child’s treatment is a perfect fit.

Getting started

If you are having trouble getting a conversation started with your child about his or her asthma or treatments, try using some of the ideas in the Asthma Discussion Starter. These materials were designed with parents of young children in mind in an effort to help them develop and maintain an open and honest dialogue with children regarding their condition and treatment.

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