Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

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Dreading That First Day Of Kindergarten? How To Help Your Child's Classmates Understand Port Wine Stains

by Joann Dunn

The new school year will soon be here. If your child will be starting kindergarten, you're both probably a little apprehensive about the changes that are coming. If your child has a port wine stain, the apprehension might be more significant, especially when it comes to how the other children will respond. If you're worried about how your child will be treated once the other children see the birthmark, take matters into your own hands. Plan ahead, and be prepared for that first day of school. Talk to the school, and your child's teacher, about talking to the kids on that first day of school. Addressing the issue head on can help alleviate distress, and prevent potential problems. Here's a simple way to help ease the transition into school:

Explain the Birthmark

Once the children have gathered into the classroom, have the teacher introduce themselves, and then introduce you. Talk to the class about different types of birthmarks, and what they are. Once the children understand what birthmarks are, have your child come up with you and let the children see that your child is just like every other child in the classroom. It might be a good idea to let the other children talk about some of the things that make them different from each other.

Answer Questions

As soon as you've talked to the children about your child's birthmark, allow them to ask questions. If your child feels comfortable answering questions about their birthmark, let them address their classmates. However, if your child prefers to leave the answering to you, step up and take the questions. It's okay to take turns answering questions too. Your child may become more comfortable once they see how it's going, and hear the types of questions that are being asked. Above all else, make sure your child is comfortable with the situation.

Move On

Once you've talked to the children, and they've asked their questions, move on from the topic. Belaboring the moment can lead to apprehension and an uncomfortable situation. At this point, the teacher may ask you to leave, or you may be invited to stay and visit with the class a bit more.

That first day of school can be frightening for a child with port wine stains. Use the tips provided here to help them have a peaceful transition to school. For questions and concerns about port wine stains, be sure to talk to your child's doctor.

Contact a medical center like Shriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati for more information and assistance. 


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About Me

Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

During my first pregnancy, I spent a lot of time pushing pillows behind my back trying to find comfort. As the size of the baby grew, so did my discomfort. By the time she was born, I was more than ready to give birth. When I found out I was pregnant again, I was determined that I would not suffer through the same discomforts. I started researching ways to ease the symptoms of pregnancy, including back pain. I created this blog to help other expectant moms find remedies to deal with those symptoms that can be emotionally and physically draining.

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