Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on April 7, 2009 at 6:41pm

Glad that you are able to assist them; however, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason whatsoever, you're under no obligation and can say circumstances right now make it not possible for you. No details nor explanation are required.

If you do want to engage with the mother:

1. It is better to have the mother initiate the call. You don't want to phone someone when they are not in a suitable frame of mind. But, if you don't want to provide your phone number to them, which you might not want to do understandably, then ask what is a convenient time for you to call and set it up as an appointment.

2. Offer resources suitable for families.
The best resource where the mom can get immediate assistance is to phone the director of the childrensalopeciaproject.org and have print and contact resources sent to her. She will find the CAP director highly personable and responsive because she is also the parent of a child with AU. Their materials are attractive. Go to childrensalopeciaproject.org for contact info. They also have a parent chat night. They have a program where they will send a selection of alopecia subject books for the school library. They will provide attractive materials to give out to other parents and children. Depending on where you live, there may be a CAP chapter nearby.

If she enjoys online interaction, the parents group here at AW is another resource.


3. Just listen. Being a listener to a mother who feels perhaps overwhelmed and struggling to understand another new challenge is the most valuable role you can take.

Thea
baldgirlsdolunch.org

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Krahn on April 7, 2009 at 9:40pm

Hi Jill,
I'm no expert but I think what people want in the beginning is comfort in knowing that someone else has the same condition and has made it through rough times. As for a start in the conversation, I'm guessing that this girl will begin the talking, or at least mom will. Sharing your story will already help this girl on her journey, and seeing how your life is blessed will also be comfort to her. An open and caring ear is usually all a young girl will need. The special needs issue is likely not to surface, and if it does address it as you would any other anomoly...we're all different and that's what makes us individual and unique. i think what you are going to do is awesome and will help this girl tremendously.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jill on April 9, 2009 at 8:19pm

Jenn and Thea,

Thanks for the advise. I spoke to the mom on the phone tonight. You were right Jenn, she did most of the talking. The only hard question was when she asked me how I got through it.

She wanted information so her daughter's teacher could educate her classmates on alopecia. I gave her the childrens alopecia project website. It went well, so thanks again.

• ▶ Reply