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Talking to Children About Having Epilepsy, Books for Kids with Epilepsy

July 29, 2013

Talking about epilepsy to children is very important. It starts in the home when they are young, but old enough to understand something is happening to their health. As parents of a child with epilepsy you will find yourself having to talk or explain about epilepsy to not just your own child but the children of relatives and friends. It’s important to discuss the topic in a way that is easy to understand but offers encouragement.

Children are curious; they want to learn, so give them opportunities to not only express concerns and fears; but to ask questions. Answer honestly, and if they say something insensitive or cruel do not criticize them, rather explain to them the importance of thinking of other people’s feelings.

The most important lesson you, as a parent, want to teach is that people with epilepsy are just like everyone else; they matter, are valued, want to be included, to have friends. Epilepsy does not define who they are and you want to teach that they deserve the respect, encouragement, and understanding of others; not teasing or cruelty.

There are some wonderful books that you can use as resources in explaining epilepsy to children as for many children stories and pictures is not only fun but an exciting way to learn.

Here are books that I highly recommend:

Wally the Whale

The Adventures of Oskar: Oskar’s New School.  (The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation will be receiving some of the Proceeds from the Sale of this book, as I have officially endorsed this book for children. Available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.)

The Get Going Gang ( A printable coloring book that teaches young children about epilepsy.)

Lee the Rabbit with Epilepsy

Becky The Brave

Mommy I Feel Funny

Let’s Learn with Teddy

Talking to young children about epilepsy prepares them to know what to do if they witness a seizure, or how to cope with being the sibling of someone with epilepsy or special needs. Most of all, it teaches them compassion and acceptance of the differences that make them unique.

It not only teaches them about responsibility and, patience but, more importantly about love and one day perhaps saving a life.

TALK ABOUT IT, as Epilepsy is NOT contagious!!

 

About Susan Noble

cyAs President and Founder of the Epilepsy Warriors Susan Noble is striving to reach as many people within the local communities to help educate and bring an end to the stigma of Epilepsy. It takes team work. It involves supporting each other in all efforts. It means showing the world that Epilepsy is worth researching, fighting for, and funding. We are all fighting for a CURE for our children and those “Living with Epilepsy” every day. We are a new foundation one with a passionate vision. This vision will light our path, and guide us towards our goals of “enlightening, empowering and curing.”

Susan and her family reside both in Fort Myers, Florida otherwise known as her little slice of paradise and Chicago, IL. You can reach out to Susan for information about the Foundation or on Epilepsy at [email protected]

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