How do I best support a healthy lifestyle for my 12 year-old daughter without scaring her or being overprotective?

You can best support your daughter through a multitude of ways. When a child has an illness, that illness can become a major part o f their identity, which can cause a variety of confusing feelings. You may observe your daughter experiencing guilt, shame, embarrassment, esteem difficulties, etc. First, by educating her, being open with her about her illness, and creating a trusting environment at home can all serve to support openness and honesty for your daughter. Second, emphasizing that many children experience struggles- some are physical in nature, others are mental, social or environmental- may help to normalize her illness and help her feel as if she is not in this alone. Third, it is very important is to use your knowledge and insight of your daughter's personality, coping style, and stress tolerance to help guide your decisions in caring for her and pushing her beyond her limits. And finally, providing her with positive experiences that enhance development of the other roles she takes on (besides a child with Alpha-1) can help give her an outlet to grow and expand her personal interests and strengths. For instance, if she has an interest in sports or school, help her to focus on goals within those arenas, in order to increase her self-esteem and self-worth. Although overprotecting her may be the initial defense against the illness, shielding her from the truth or minimizing the illness may leave your daughter feeling lost, scared and isolated.

By Cathryne Maciolek, Licensed Councelor

Note: If you have questions you would like us to work on, please submit them to us at questions@alpha1kids.org.