Caring for Your Child

• 504 Education Plans

  Kids who have special needs in the classroom may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan.

• Balancing Schoolwork and Hospital Stays

  When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it’s hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with some planning, you can help your child balance schoolwork with hospital stays.

• Blood Glucose Record

  If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.

• Blood Test: Hemoglobin

  Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. A hemoglobin test can be done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems and or because a child isn’t feeling well.

• Blood Test: Valproic Acid

  Doctors may order a blood test for valproic acid, an anticonvulsant drug prescribed mainly to prevent seizures, to see how the liver is processing the medicine.

• Clinical Trials

  Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child’s particular illness. Learn more.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram)

  Is your child scheduled to have an ECG? Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

• Getting Teens Involved in Their Health Care

  Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

• Heart Transplant

  If your child needs a heart transplant, you’re probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Helping Kids Get Ready for Surgery

  Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here’s how parents can help them.