pediatrics
Children with Chronic Health Conditions
Effects on the family
For families, having a child who has a chronic health condition can lead to loss of their hope for an “ideal” child, neglected siblings, major expense and time commitment, confusion caused by conflicting systems of health care management, lost opportunities (eg, family members providing primary care to the child are therefore unable to return to work), and social isolation. Siblings may resent the extra attention the ill child receives. Such stress may cause family breakup, especially when there are preexisting difficulties with family function. Conditions that affect the physical appearance of an infant (eg, Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate , 