Top Tips

Exercise: Sometimes yoga, Pilates, or just a simple walk can make a big difference.
Find a distraction: Watch a movie, read a book, play a game—anything to take your mind off the pain.
Chill out or warm up : Cold packs and hot water bottles can ease sore muscles and swollen joints depending on how you are feeling.
Stay loose: Try a massage if you are feeling stiff.
Speak up: Tell people how you are feeling so they will know how they can help.

Take your medication! The bottom line: Either you take your medication, or you will have sore joints. Everyone recognises that taking medication can be difficult; talk to your medical team if you’re struggling with side effects.
Some oral medication (e.g., Prednisolone) can leave a funny taste in your mouth. Taking pills with water or juice can help mask the flavour.
When you are having an injection:
- Use a Buzzy or numbing cream to minimise discomfort.
- Breathing exercises can help you focus and relax.
- Play music to keep your mind off the injection. Listening to your music in headphones will prevent you from hearing the ‘click’ of an injection pen.
- If a parent or carer is giving you an injection, don’t let them forget your reward!

Stay warm, relaxed, and hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids before your appointment will help keep your veins full and make it easier to insert the needle.
Be on time. Don’t make the doctors and nurses—or other patients—wait for you.
Be prepared to stay a while. Sometimes it takes longer than expected to complete your treatment.
- Bring a favourite book or a new magazine to help pass the time.
- Consider bringing some homework along to your appointment.
- If you plan to watch videos or listen to music on your phone, remember to pack headphones and a charger.
- Pack something to eat and drink. Bring along gum or mints if you are having a steroid infusion.
- Bring a blanket or cuddly toy.

Talk regularly with your teachers about how you are feeling. Communication is key to getting the help you need.
When you’re ready, tell your friends about your condition. And think about giving a presentation to your class about JIA.
If you have a locker, be sure to use it store your books so you don’t have to carry a heavy bag with you all day.
If your school has a lift, ask for permission to use it.
Get a pass to leave class early if you need extra time to walk to your next class.
Talk to your teachers if you need extra time to complete a homework assignment or an exam.
If your condition makes it difficult to take notes in class, ask for a copy of the class notes from your teachers.
Ask if you can use a computer to complete written assignments.

Remember we are all different, and all good at different things, so try not to compare yourself to everyone else. You are not alone; don’t feel worried that you are.
Keep positive and remember that there are lots of other JIA kids going through this too.
Do as much as you want to and can do; but also know when you need a rest — and take that rest.
Have your dream and work towards it. Remember that JIA is a part of you but it doesn’t stop you.
Be honest when you don’t feel great.
Find activities and people that make you happy.
Hard as it may be, don’t let JIA consume your life.
Don’t worry if you find yourself struggling sometimes — talk to friends, family and people you trust.

Empower your child: Involve them as much as possible in decisions about their JIA; teach them about their medication; keep them in the loop. This makes them feel a little bit more in control and encourages independence.
Don’t look too far ahead. Deal with the here and now.
Research the condition.
Don’t try and deal with it yourself. Remember all the support out there: from your child’s GP, specialist nurses, school, and SNAC!
Be honest and don’t lie. You’ll never get that trust back.
Don’t forget the siblings!
Give methotrexate at night to help with nausea. And find ways to distrat your child when giving injections.
Keep your kids as active as possible.
Try not to focus on the negatives, and don’t let the condition define your child as a person.
Try not to feel guilty.
Sometimes dads bottle up their emotions; they, too, need to talk.
Remember the good times when things are bad.
Keep talking to the health professionals involved in your child’s treatment. If you don’t know, just ask!