dealing with child's embarassment about a health issue

[hazelnutsforbreakfast]

Hi all,

My DD has had glue ear for several years, requiring constant hearing tests doctors appointments, and a few grommet insertions. She's 8 now and has been getting increasingly difficult about all these appointments and about the need to keep her teacher and swimming instructor informed about her condition. By difficult I mean massive screaming/kicking/hitting tantrums and a refusal to go to appointments or even discuss the matter. She says she's embarassed and that makes her angry, but no amount of calm discussion has helped (occasionally massive bribery does though).

Has anyone else had a similar experience? How have you dealt with it?

Thanks!

Not had similar no....but i know my 9 year old nephew gets very tired of his asthma and allergies...could that be it? That she's simply sick of it all bless her?

She might say she's embarrassed but she perhaps sees her friends with no health issues and thinks "Why can't my ear be ok!"

You could talk to her about how almost everyone has something that niggles...sme kids have asthma...some need glasses...others have bad tonsils and adenoids or problematic teeth...

Also....perhaps offer some small rewards for when she's got an appointment...a little gift of something or a treat...so she associates the appointments with "Oh good it's film night with Mum then!"

Or "Fab...I've got an ear appointment...that means a pound to spend on any sweets I want!"

Whatever floats her boat.