Parenting a child with alopecia areata can be difficult. Parents of children with alopecia areata need to keep in mind, children can be much more resilient than we imagine. They are generally optimistic, and don’t have the expectation for rejection or ridicule that adults may have as they haven’t experienced or observed it. Children’s learning’s are from those in direct contact in their world, as a parent if a child sees hair loss as a source of anxiety or sadness for you, they will internalise those feelings.

This does not mean that you ignore or repress your own feelings of loss, sorrow, and anger when you are trying to cope. In addition, parents should know that feelings of guilt about somehow being responsible for your child’s hair loss are natural and to be expected. However, children with alopecia areata don’t blame their parents.

AAAF has many resources to assist. Contact a support group in your region to be connected with Children of similar ages as the greatest healer is not feeling alone.

Parents Talkng to Other Parents Brochure

This school pack is for primary school integration and is a wealth of ideas on educating your closest peers on the condition.

Download the school pack here (pdf).

The Dr Richard Long 'Back to School' webinar for parents from NAAF 
http://www.naaf.org/videos/August22BacktoSchool.wmv

Colouring in Book.

The colouring book was created by Dr Manuel F. Casanova and dedicated to his daughter Belinda, an alopecia areata/universalis patient since 2 years of age.

http://minicolumn.org/alopecia/alopecia-cb.html

Bullying. No Way!

This site was developed by all Australian education authorities, working together to create learning environments where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected, valued – and free from bullying.

http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is using technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully someone else. It can happen to anyone, anytime, and can leave you feeling unsafe and alone.

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Teens/How%20do%20I%20deal%20with/Cyberbullying.aspx

Cybersafety Contact Centre
Tel: 1800 880 176
Email: cybersafety@acma.gov.au

Headz Up Web Site

Alopecia My Story - Collection of true stories.

Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach, former Deputy Head with 22 years teaching and has experienced Alopecia, she provides some excellent tips on how to work through acts of bullying.

http://parentingaustralia.com.au/early-learning/behaviour/270-ten-actions-you-can-take-to-help-eliminate-bullying-by-sue-atkins

Kids and Parents Support Lines - Counsellors trained in Alopecia

Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25 years)

http://www.parentline.com.au/getting-help/who-else-can-help/other-helpline-services.php

NAAF have some great webinars for parents about developmental issues for youngsters with Alopecia Areata
http://www.naaf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_events_webinars_Long