Kids with Arthritis

Dressing, eating, using the toilet

Children under five learn how to use their bodies in a co-ordinated way so that they can develop the skills of daily life. They begin to feed themselves, use cups, learn how to put on simple clothes and how to use the toilet. All these are important skills that build independence and self esteem. When a child develops arthritis, some of these tasks become very difficult, and it is easy for adults to want to help by doing more for the child.

Wherever possible try to find a way for the child to keep their independence. In busy families, when the child is very unwell, it may be entirely understandable to revert to using nappies, or to feeding the child, but this can cause problems later and should be resisted if possible.

Lost skills have to be relearnt later when friends the same age have become expert in doing those things. Some children find this very embarrassing because it emphasises that they are different. Children want to fit in, and they can be motivated to keep up with their peers.

It is also more difficult for a child to want to be independent if adults around them do everything for them.

In the long run, it is often better for the child if you find a way for them to keep doing things for themselves.

Parents tips

Try to contact an occupational therapist for specialist advice. Try several departments (rheumatology, paediatrics, community), explain what you need help with. Try contactingFledglings for lightweight cups and other daily living equipment. (See Chapter 17 ‘Sources of help’).
If necessary, track down the smallest commode p ossible! A commode is a chair with a seat under which is a removable toilet pan. Try the local children’s hospital or community services. It is really worth finding a child’s commode which has flat arm rests. The commode can be put in the child’s bedroom at night, or elsewhere during the day so that they do not have to tackle stairs. The tiny commode allows children to sit comfortably and safely while they use the toilet, and they can then use the arm rests to push on to stand up.


	Dressing, eating, using the toilet Children under five learn how to use their bodies in a co-ordinated way so that they can develop the skills of daily life. They begin to feed themselves, use cups, learn how to put on simple clothes and how to use the toilet. All these are important skills that build independence and self esteem. When a child develops arthritis, some of these tasks become very difficult, and it is easy for adults to want to help by doing more for the child. Wherever possible try to find a way for the child to keep their independence. In busy families, when the child is very unwell, it may be entirely understandable to revert to using nappies, or to feeding the child, but this can cause problems later and should be resisted if possible. Lost skills have to be relearnt later when friends the same age have become expert in doing those things. Some children find this very embarrassing because it emphasises that they are different. Children want to fit in, and they can be motivated to keep up with their peers. It is also more difficult for a child to want to be independent if adults around them do everything for them. In the long run, it is often better for the child if you find a way for them to keep doing things for themselves. Parents tips Try to contact an occupational therapist for specialist advice. Try several departments (rheumatology, paediatrics, community), explain what you need help with. Try contactingFledglings for lightweight cups and other daily living equipment. (See Chapter 17 ‘Sources of help’). If necessary, track down the smallest commode p ossible! A commode is a chair with a seat under which is a removable toilet pan. Try the local children’s hospital or community services. It is really worth finding a child’s commode which has flat arm rests. The commode can be put in the child’s bedroom at night, or elsewhere during the day so that they do not have to tackle stairs. The tiny commode allows children to sit comfortably and safely while they use the toilet, and they can then use the arm rests to push on to stand up.
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