Research suggests that when faced with difficult situations, children cope better if they are given information to help them understand what is happening, are included in discussions and are allowed to talk about their concerns.
If you are supporting a child through your MSA diagnosis, or a loved one’s, here are some initial suggestions of ways to handle conversations:
- Answer questions honestly, if you don’t know the answer say so and that you will try to find out and let them know when you do. If you are not honest they may not come back to you in the future when they need to.
- Check what they are really asking before you try to answer! They may not be asking what you first think so reflect back to them “So you are asking me if……?”.
- Ensure the child knows that getting MSA is no-one’s fault and it is nothing to do with something they, or anyone else may have said or done to the person.
- Allow opportunities to talk about MSA and the person living with MSA, but don’t push them to talk if they don’t want to.
- Try not to impose your emotions or beliefs on to them – their feelings and ways of dealing with the situation may be very different to what you think they ‘should’ be, but there is no right or wrong.
- Reassure them they will always be loved and cared for whatever else is going on.
“The activity book for kids is so brilliantly put together and I think will give us lots of starting points for working through the confusing aspects of MSA…”
To help when having conversations with children about MSA we have two resources.
First, we have, a Children’s Activity Book which is aimed at children aged between 4-11 years old. With friends Monty, Sandy, Ali and Toni the book works through interactive activities to help with understanding the different elements of MSA. Topics covered within the book include ‘What does MSA mean?’, the most common symptoms of MSA, ‘How you’re feeling’ and how to explain MSA to other people. The book comes with stickers and there are activities that the child and person with MSA can complete together.
You can order a copy of the children’s book here.
Second, we have a Young Peoples Hub on our website for those aged 11-17 years old. This resource is split into different sections covering topics such as how MSA can affect family life, managing feelings and emotions and where to get further support. It is set up so young people can dip in and out of the hub, depending on what they might want to read at that particular time.
The Young Peoples Hub can be accessed via our website here.
“Me and my sister have these for our children, they have been so helpful. We actually show carers and other family members and it’s helped everyone understand my mum and what’s happening a lot better. So grateful for them. Thank you”