Pediatric Crohn’s and Friendships

Making friends is important for your child’s social and emotional growth and well-being. But the effects of Crohn’s, such as growth problems, frequent diarrhea, and absence from school, can sometimes make a child feel embarrassed, depressed, or even isolated from their peers.  

Because children can often be unkind about things they don’t understand, your child may not want to talk about it with friends at first. But this may change. It is important that your child first learn how to cope with and come to terms with Crohn’s. Then he or she can decide whether and when to tell friends about it.  

When your child is ready to talk to friends about Crohn’s disease, encourage him or her to be open and honest. Your child should also be ready to answer any questions that others may have.  Since some people may have never heard of Crohn’s disease or simply do not understand what a Crohn’s patient goes through, your child may run into difficulties communicating.  Help your child learn as much as possible about the disease so that if misunderstandings with others do arise, he or she will be ready to address them.  

The following are some facts your child can share with friends to help put their doubts and fears at ease:  

• Crohn’s disease is not contagious.
• Thousands of children in America have this disease.
• Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, which means it doesn’t go away. This doesn’t mean I will be sick every day.
• Crohn’s symptoms come and go. Most people with Crohn’s are healthy more often than they feel sick.  There will be times when I don’t feel well, and there will be times when I feel great.

If your child still has difficulty opening up to friends and peers about his or her condition, a counselor or support group may also help.  

Your child’s friends aren’t the only ones who may be affected by Crohn’s. The disease can also have an effect on family life.