The impact of JIA
JIA does not affect the child alone. It can have a significant impact on the entire family. It is common for parents of a child with JIA to experience feelings of guilt. Also common for parents is worry for their child's future and how to promote his independence. They may have other children who can at times be jealous of the attention their brother or sister with JIA is receiving. This may present as acting out behaviour and can cause added stress. JIA may impact the family in other ways, such as, at times, unexpectedly disrupting plans and shortening the amount of time that parents have left to spend with other family members. There are also financial issues that can occur with possibly increased medical expenses. This section offers tips on how to cope with stress and worry, how to help siblings manage their feelings, how to manage the overall impact of JIA on the family, and how to cope with financial stressors.