Parenting Teenagers Who Have Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis attacks people both physically and mentally, and, can play havoc with their self-image. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that teenagers are about as vulnerable as anyone to problems which deal with self-image.

What can parents do to support their teens living with Ulcerative Colitis?

First and foremost, get the proper medical treatment. One thing that we have found is that once the illness is initially brought under control, if there is a flare-up teens don't want to go back through treatment if for no other reason than it takes time out of their busy schedule. However, Ulcerative Colitis is a disease that attacks most effectively from disregard and further, that is also when it can worsen.

We have found it important not to force our son to do things he is not comfortable doing. For example, it is not important that he spend time at people's homes for things like sleepovers just to prove he can do it. There is plenty of time to "toughen up" during life. Ulcerative Colitis is something that can be learned about, socially, over time and it is important to give each child their own "space" to work on it.

Conversely, when a teen wants to try something, whether it is sports or anything socially, the parents should, unless it is dangerous, support them. As a parent of a teen with Ulcerative Colitis, I have found that it is easy to be over-protective. I think that is partially because I have a mild case of it and I don't want him to go through some of the embarrassing things I did. It is important that I and other parents remember that our kids are way tougher and way more resourceful than most of us give them credit for, so, we simply need to give them support.

Probably the biggest mistake my wife and I have made as parents during our son's teen years is to focus on the illness too much. Finally our son blew up (and rightfully so), because we were constantly asking him how he was feeling and how things were going physically at school. It began to slip by us that we were failing to take an interest in the "normal" things about a teen's daily life. We were actually adding to the feeling of isolation by constantly focusing on the disease.

How do you support your teen with Ulcerative Colitis? My wife and I have come to believe that you get them diagnosed and on whatever medical regimen the doctor says; you pay attention to the diet and nutritional needs and you let the teen lead the way as far as involvement while you support.

One thing my wife and I have done when we take vacations, is to take care of things such as restroom availability and tactical stops without making a big deal about it.

Ulcerative Colitis is a lifetime illness and will interfere with life, but, with teens, as much as you can help it remain outside their life, the better.