I am reading a book called Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic and here is a small excerpt out of the book.
Parental Attitudes
Parents, family, friends, and teachers play a large role in children’s perception of and adaptation to celiac disease. These individuals set the tone and become, in large part, the enabling force that teaches children how to cope with the condition for the rest of their lives. This includes teaching children the skills needed to maintain the diet when it becomes difficult-i.e., as they grow and become independent.
Also important, children-as well as adults-absorb as much observing the reactions of the key people around them as by anything said.
Feeding their children is one of the first and most important duties of parents. It is understandable that parents may be overly concerned, anxious, and protective. Based on our interviews, it is also apparent that some parents go into denial, which may be extreme: “This is not happening to my child, at least right now.”
One mother was most upset about her teenager not being able to go to the pizza parlor. Well, what about if she can’t have a baby when she gets older and what if she has diabetes?
Another woman had a daughter about to go to college and didn’t want to test her because she felt it would be too much of a change or adjustment before she went to school. Her daughter wasn’t having any symptoms. But it’s like child abuse if you have this knowledge, how could you not? (Sue,41)
On one hand, it is important that parents learn to let go and enable their children at an early age. Conversely, it is equally crucial that parents understand that celiac disease, whose only cure is a change in what you eat, is a significant medical condition with many potential complications. Ignoring or denying its importance is extremely shortsighted. Sometimes it is the parents who must develop better coping skills.
That was just a small part of the book. I not only find it important for parents, but for patients to get out of denial altogether.
