When discussing asthma and allergies with children, different approaches will be necessary depending on the child’s age. Education is a key part of asthma and allergy management for both parents and children. Parents know their child better than anyone else, and can tailor their approach accordingly. However, some general rules include:

• Toddlers
  
  
• • Because young children have not yet fully developed their reasoning and verbal communication abilities, it may be more appropriate to use techniques such as play acting, or explaining treatment by using a doll or stuffed toy.
    
    
  • Parents should ensure that treatments are conducted in a pleasant atmosphere, so children learn to make positive associations with the management of their condition.
    
    
• Preschoolers
  
  
• • Bold, bright colors and pictures make a big impression on children in this age group and can be used effectively by parents in teaching about asthma and allergies.
    
    
  • Preschoolers should begin to learn about allergens and other symptom triggers.
    
    
  • Preschoolers should learn how to recognize and describe their symptoms to others.
    
    
  • Children in this age group can assist with taking medications and performing peak flow monitoring, but they still need to be closely monitored.
    
    

    

• School–age children
  
  
• • Pictures, videos, games, hands–on activities and group learning can all be effective teaching tools at this age.
    
    
  • School-age children can better understand and identify what sets off their symptoms and can take steps on their own to avoid these triggers.
    
    
  • School–age children can perform peak flow monitoring and take their own medications under close adult supervision.
    
    
  • Children of this age should be able to alert parents, teachers and other caregivers to the onset of symptoms.
    
    
  • School–age children will want to play with their peers at this age, including participating in athletics. This is important to their social and physical development, and should not be discouraged. Parents should consult their child’s pediatrician for more information.
    
    
• Pre–teens
  
  
• • Discussions can become more difficult at this age. Pre–teens are most likely to respond to peers and figures they idolize, such as celebrities and athletes.
    
    
  • Pre–teens should learn the physiology of asthma and allergies, and the consequences for not following treatment plans.
    
    
  • Parents should keep an eye on their pre–teen, but this is the age where the child begins to take nearly full control of managing their treatment.
    
    
• Teens
  
  
• • Parents should actively include teens in all discussions related to their treatment choices.
    
    
  • Teens are old enough to have full control of managing their treatment. Parents must be careful, as any intrusion into a teen’s treatment is likely to be viewed as interference with independence.
    
    
  • Parents should assume that all teens will take risks. Teens often feel “bulletproof” and are much less likely to closely follow a treatment plan. Parents may need to intervene, particularly if asthma treatment plans are being ignored.
    
    
  • Peers and celebrity idols continue to wield a strong influence over young people at this age.
    
    
  • The development of a simple, straightforward management plan will help teens avoid the temptation to ignore disease management.
    
    
  • An attempt should be made, if possible, for once daily medications to help with compliance.
    
    
  • Teens should be aware of any limitations their condition may have on their social or physical activities. They should also know how to manage their condition so they can participate in sports and other activities.
    
    
  • Many teens prefer not take their medication in front of their peers because they are afraid of coming off as “different.”  An attempt should be made, if possible, for preventive medication to be taken at home in the morning or at night.
    
    
  • Parents may have to be more creative in encouraging their teens to stick to asthma and allergy management plans. Contracts – where teens are rewarded for fulfilling their management obligations, and experience consequences for failure to comply with management plans – work well with many teens.
    
    
  • The teenage years are often a time of experimentation. Parents should discuss the effects smoking and other risky behavior may have on the teen’s condition. This will help the teen make more informed choices when facing peer pressure.
    
    
  • Parents can encourage their teens to join a support group. Allergy and asthma support groups give teens the opportunity to talk with other teens who share their condition.