Tips for parents and children

There are many ways children and their parents can work to cope with ulcerative colitis and live healthy and happy lives.

Here are a few starting points:

• Educate loved ones, teachers, and close friends about the disease, nutritional needs, and medications.
• Seek the advice of a registered dietitian for meal planning to make sure your child is getting enough nutrients.
• Find support groups for people with inflammatory bowel disorders.
• Talk with a counselor as needed.

Managing flare-ups

While the only way to fully prevent a UC flare is surgery, there are ways to help prevent them:

• Help your child keep a food log to track which foods may cause a flare-up.
• Ask your child’s doctor if they should change their fiber intake, or have other food recommendations.
• Make sure they are getting regular activity if they can.
• Help your child manage stress with techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
• Make sure they take medications as prescribed, and to tell you when they haven’t. Children can be afraid to tell you or their doctor, but let them know it’s essential to know.
• Make sure their doctor has a list of all of medications including vitamins.

Check in with your child’s doctor before changing their diet or adding any new medications or supplements.