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How to tell Parents and Students about CF?
- Thread starter sue35
- Start date
I teach in a small Christian school (about 300 students K-12), teaching music in grades 4-6 and English in 7th. Telling people was a difficulty for me in the first couple of years but has become easier. Initially I just made a point of honestly answering questions when they were asked. Often I would just tell them (especially the 7th graders) that I had a disease called cystic fibrosis. Most of them didn't know what it was, so I would offer explanation based on what they asked. Often parents would later talk to me about it, but I've never had anybody react beyond being kind and concerned.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
I teach in a small Christian school (about 300 students K-12), teaching music in grades 4-6 and English in 7th. Telling people was a difficulty for me in the first couple of years but has become easier. Initially I just made a point of honestly answering questions when they were asked. Often I would just tell them (especially the 7th graders) that I had a disease called cystic fibrosis. Most of them didn't know what it was, so I would offer explanation based on what they asked. Often parents would later talk to me about it, but I've never had anybody react beyond being kind and concerned.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
I teach in a small Christian school (about 300 students K-12), teaching music in grades 4-6 and English in 7th. Telling people was a difficulty for me in the first couple of years but has become easier. Initially I just made a point of honestly answering questions when they were asked. Often I would just tell them (especially the 7th graders) that I had a disease called cystic fibrosis. Most of them didn't know what it was, so I would offer explanation based on what they asked. Often parents would later talk to me about it, but I've never had anybody react beyond being kind and concerned.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
I teach in a small Christian school (about 300 students K-12), teaching music in grades 4-6 and English in 7th. Telling people was a difficulty for me in the first couple of years but has become easier. Initially I just made a point of honestly answering questions when they were asked. Often I would just tell them (especially the 7th graders) that I had a disease called cystic fibrosis. Most of them didn't know what it was, so I would offer explanation based on what they asked. Often parents would later talk to me about it, but I've never had anybody react beyond being kind and concerned.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
I teach in a small Christian school (about 300 students K-12), teaching music in grades 4-6 and English in 7th. Telling people was a difficulty for me in the first couple of years but has become easier. Initially I just made a point of honestly answering questions when they were asked. Often I would just tell them (especially the 7th graders) that I had a disease called cystic fibrosis. Most of them didn't know what it was, so I would offer explanation based on what they asked. Often parents would later talk to me about it, but I've never had anybody react beyond being kind and concerned.
<br />
<br />It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
<br />
<br />Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
<br />
<br />There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
<br />
<br />Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
<br />
<br />It's easier now as I've been teaching in the same place for 15 years, and the kids and parents are just used to it. They see me running around with an IV pump, etc., and typically don't react much to it other than asking the kinds of questions a 7th grader would.
<br />
<br />Although the people I work for know about the MRSA, I avoid the topic with people I do not know well. The media hype makes that one difficult. I usually just respond to questions by telling them I have a couple of different types of bacteria, and identify that one as staph if pushed. Most people don't make the connection to MRSA.
<br />
<br />There have been some times when students have become upset because they worry about my health. However, I've found careful honesty tends to allay rather than increase those fears. The students tend to respond to it emotionally in the way that I present it--they can be upbeat about it if they know the truth but see that I am positive about it.
<br />
<br />Please forgive the long response! I hope this helps.
So I am starting to write my letter and I am stuck past saying I have Cystic Fibrosis! I don't know what to say. I want to get across that I can not get the children sick, and that this does not affect my teaching, and put some positive spin on it. But I am drawing a huge blank.
Any good writers out there or any tips?
Any good writers out there or any tips?
So I am starting to write my letter and I am stuck past saying I have Cystic Fibrosis! I don't know what to say. I want to get across that I can not get the children sick, and that this does not affect my teaching, and put some positive spin on it. But I am drawing a huge blank.
Any good writers out there or any tips?
Any good writers out there or any tips?
So I am starting to write my letter and I am stuck past saying I have Cystic Fibrosis! I don't know what to say. I want to get across that I can not get the children sick, and that this does not affect my teaching, and put some positive spin on it. But I am drawing a huge blank.
Any good writers out there or any tips?
Any good writers out there or any tips?
So I am starting to write my letter and I am stuck past saying I have Cystic Fibrosis! I don't know what to say. I want to get across that I can not get the children sick, and that this does not affect my teaching, and put some positive spin on it. But I am drawing a huge blank.
Any good writers out there or any tips?
Any good writers out there or any tips?
So I am starting to write my letter and I am stuck past saying I have Cystic Fibrosis! I don't know what to say. I want to get across that I can not get the children sick, and that this does not affect my teaching, and put some positive spin on it. But I am drawing a huge blank.
<br />
<br />Any good writers out there or any tips?
<br />
<br />Any good writers out there or any tips?
I'm happy to help you write a letter if that's the way you want to go. However, I'll be honest and say it doesn't seem like the best way to me. By making that choice, you will put yourself in a position of being forced to come up with the "right amount" of information rather than basing the information given on how people respond. Also, it seems like a letter would automatically tend to give the impression of a problem rather than just giving an explanation. Finally, it probably will make people less likely to talk to you about it than if the information were given in more of a conversation. Although people are likely to Google it anyway, you will give yourself an advantage by being the first and primary source of information. That's only really possible through dialogue.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
I'm happy to help you write a letter if that's the way you want to go. However, I'll be honest and say it doesn't seem like the best way to me. By making that choice, you will put yourself in a position of being forced to come up with the "right amount" of information rather than basing the information given on how people respond. Also, it seems like a letter would automatically tend to give the impression of a problem rather than just giving an explanation. Finally, it probably will make people less likely to talk to you about it than if the information were given in more of a conversation. Although people are likely to Google it anyway, you will give yourself an advantage by being the first and primary source of information. That's only really possible through dialogue.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
I'm happy to help you write a letter if that's the way you want to go. However, I'll be honest and say it doesn't seem like the best way to me. By making that choice, you will put yourself in a position of being forced to come up with the "right amount" of information rather than basing the information given on how people respond. Also, it seems like a letter would automatically tend to give the impression of a problem rather than just giving an explanation. Finally, it probably will make people less likely to talk to you about it than if the information were given in more of a conversation. Although people are likely to Google it anyway, you will give yourself an advantage by being the first and primary source of information. That's only really possible through dialogue.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
I'm happy to help you write a letter if that's the way you want to go. However, I'll be honest and say it doesn't seem like the best way to me. By making that choice, you will put yourself in a position of being forced to come up with the "right amount" of information rather than basing the information given on how people respond. Also, it seems like a letter would automatically tend to give the impression of a problem rather than just giving an explanation. Finally, it probably will make people less likely to talk to you about it than if the information were given in more of a conversation. Although people are likely to Google it anyway, you will give yourself an advantage by being the first and primary source of information. That's only really possible through dialogue.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
I'm happy to help you write a letter if that's the way you want to go. However, I'll be honest and say it doesn't seem like the best way to me. By making that choice, you will put yourself in a position of being forced to come up with the "right amount" of information rather than basing the information given on how people respond. Also, it seems like a letter would automatically tend to give the impression of a problem rather than just giving an explanation. Finally, it probably will make people less likely to talk to you about it than if the information were given in more of a conversation. Although people are likely to Google it anyway, you will give yourself an advantage by being the first and primary source of information. That's only really possible through dialogue.
<br />
<br />In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
<br />
<br />If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.
<br />
<br />In my opinion, the better choice would be to begin giving it to people gently (co-workers, parents, students) when a question is asked about your cough or absence. Often, the conversation stops with, "Well, I have a disease called cystic fibrosis." However, it then offers them the opportunity to ask questions and you the opportunity to answer them and give the information you think appropriate for that particular person or group. It ends up spreading, but with you as the primary source, and people will be more likely to come to you with their questions (as opposed to spreading rumors) if they know you freely shared the information.
<br />
<br />If you prefer to write the letter or would like to talk about this more, feel free to PM me. I'll talk to you about it or help you write, either one.