Many parents and caregivers share how difficult it is to see their child suffering with pain and symptoms for a long period of time. You may feel helpless and unsure how to help. There are ways for parents and caregivers to play an active role in helping your child cope with a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder.

• Shift the approach. You have spent a lot of time and effort as a family talking about and assessing your child’s GI symptoms (pain, nausea, or bowel symptoms). This time and attention has been important in arriving at a diagnosis and medical treatment plan. We know that parents can help their child manage his symptoms by changing the way your family approaches them.

How can you help?

• Keep discussion of symptoms to a minimum. Avoid asking your child about his symptoms, unless your child’s gastroenterologist has instructed you otherwise. Your child will come to you if they need assistance.
• Even though we discourage discussion of symptoms, we know the pain and GI symptoms are real.
• Focus on functioning. Progress for functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders is measured not only by symptom reduction but also by increased functioning. This means how well your child is able to live their life (attend school, participate in extracurricular activities, and enjoy time with friends and family). 

How can you help? 

• Encourage your child to participate in regular activities, regardless of their symptoms, unless your child’s gastroenterologist has instructed you otherwise. You may consider rewarding positive behaviors (such as attending school) with access to privileges.
• Increase structure in your child’s day if they are not currently in school or involved in outside activities. Even at home, following a regular routine and schedule can help improve both functioning and symptoms. Many families benefit from assistance with this process. Working with your child’s behavioral health care provider can help your family find ways to increase structure at home and encourage participation in activities.
• Encourage coping behaviors and healthy habits. Specific recommendations will be discussed as part of your child’s behavioral health and medical care.

How can you help?

• Encourage use of coping skills your child learns in behavioral health treatment (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, distraction, and cognitive skills).
  • Model coping skills for your child and use positive, coping statements when discussing his symptoms. For example, “I know you are in pain, but I am confident that you can use your skills to get through this school day.”
  • Encourage regular exercise and healthy sleep habits, which can help with symptom management.