health concerns

Too Young To Die

All parents of seriously ill children have one thing in common — they don't want their child to die prematurely. So how to parents handle the prospect that they will most likely outlive their child? What about ongoing grief? How do you let go? Following are some suggestions from parents of medically fragile children:

  • Try to celebrate each day rather than dwelling on a negative prognosis.
  • Respect and understand the information given to you by doctors, but realize that they don't always know what will happen.
  • Remember that God loves you, and He loves your child even more than you do, even though that seems like an impossibility.
  • Pray for a miracle, and remember that God is sovereign no matter what happens. Allow yourself to grieve at intervals, but don't live in constant grief or you'll miss the joy God sends through your child.
  • Protect your child from illnesses and dangerous situations as much as possible, but don't smother her with your own fear.

One of the greatest things parents can do is to help their child develop a deep spiritual life. Read the Bible to him, pray with him, play Christian music, watch Christian videos or TV programs and answer any questions he might have about heaven or dying. As you dispel your child's fear, you also release your own.

If you're the parent of a medically fragile child, you may be experiencing anger, resentment and bitterness. If so, immerse yourself in Scripture. Do an in-depth study of heaven and of God's glorious love. Joni Eareckson Tada's book Heaven is an excellent reference. When heaven and God's glory becomes real in your own life, you're better able to release your ch ild to a loving heavenly Father.

Even if your child is unable to ask questions or understand deep spiritual concepts, he still understands the love of Jesus and will enjoy Christian music and the Bible. His heart is very tender, and he may have a deep longing to see Jesus. Allow him to foster that same longing in your own spirit — a burning desire to see Jesus in your daily life and then face to face in heaven.

Receiving a disheartening diagnosis can often be too much of a burden for parents to handle alone. If you feel you might need to speak with a counselor, visit our Consider Counseling page to find out more about the counseling services offered by TroubledWith.

Background Information

Health Problems, Hypochondria or Cries for Help?
When your adolescent repeatedly complains of not feeling well in the morning, how do you know whether to offer TLC and bed rest or escort him to the bus stop?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
This advice won't eliminate all cases of SIDS, but it could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives every year.

The Debut of Teeth
Though it's exciting for parents, getting teeth can be a pain in the mouth and elsewhere for babies.

Understanding Vaccines
Do you know the purpose of each of your child's vaccinations?

What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea in Infants?
If your infant vomits or has diarrhea, be aware of these possible causes.

Questions and Answers

I'm trying to potty train my 3-year-old son who has Down syndrome. Does he have the capacity to understand at this age, considering his challenges?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

Chronic Kids, Healthy Spirits
Two sisters write about parenting their children with chronic illnesses

Dear Friend
In the face of bad news, it helps to hear from someone who's already passed through the valley.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
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Other Things to Consider

Bearing the Burden of a Child's Illness
In the midst of a devastating diagnosis, sometimes all you can do is to trust God.

TransitionsHaving a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence

Life PressuresWorking Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family

RelationshipsParents and Adult Children, Blended Families