• Ensuring your child is happy, confident and physically well at school is a team effort. Early in the school year, meet with school staff, including your child’s teacher, principal, office secretary, phys ed teacher, and school nurse. If possible, schedule a meeting with them and your hemophilia treatment center nurse coordinator.

• People with no experience of bleeding disorders know very little about them. Offer the staff educational materials as an introduction. Try not to overload them with information. Make sure the school knows how to reach you at all times.

• If you leave any educational material with school officials, it's a good idea to attach your child's photograph as well.

• Work out a procedure with your child’s school nurse on how to identify a problem bleed, when you would like to be called and what needs to be done in particular circumstances.

• Teachers should avoid overprotecting your child, or singling him/her out unduly, denial of hemophilia or bleeds, or overreacting in general.

• Keep the school nurse up to date about your child's current and overall state of health.

Reprinted with the permission of LA Kelley Communications, Inc. from their publication::

Raising a Child with Hemophilia: A Practical Guide for Parents, 3rd ed. 1999

 By Laureen A. Kelley