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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on May 23, 2013 at 9:21pm

Hi Steve

I talked to you briefly last night in the chatroom. I'll do my best to pass on a little of my own experience in the hope that it will help.

It would all have to do with her want to talk about her condition. If she is confident, then it may be helpful to give her the tools (words) to explain her condition fairly early on in the process of friendship with a boy or girl. In my experience the want to tell has to come from the person with the condition, but for some this can be a very difficult decision. She may need your guidance

As I said to you last night my daughter lost her hair at 12 and since that time she has worn a Freedom Hairpiece. This has given her the opportunity to tell people when she felt comfortable. For a short time when she was about 13, she very much wanted to keep her condition secret....but the secret became more of an issue than the actual condition. So after some discussion she decided to be more open, she really hasn't looked back from that time.

Like your daughter she is confident and empowered, making decisions that she feels are right for her. Every boyfriend my daughter has gone out with has known from the beginning that she has alopecia...showing her head is the thing that takes deliberation for her as that is something she finds private and prefers to do that with those that love her and who she trusts. Even though as she is getting older she will often go without hair if we walk or run...just depending on her feelings at the time.

My daughter is now 22 years old. Through the teens I think that open communication is important. The ability for a parent to be able to guide is helpful as teenagers can sometimes be very shortsighted in their decisions (not all- but some). So, having an adult with a clear mind and love around them can only bode well for their choices.

Hope this helps and feel free to contact me anytime.

Rosy

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Permalink Reply by Steve on May 24, 2013 at 1:19am

Hi Rosy,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and what its been like for your daughter. This is invaluable and I agree its really their decision.Its funny when she was younger 6 or 7 she used to go to school and dance classes with no wig at all, but every new environment I guess requires her to weigh up how she will approach. I will share this with my wife and decide how we best share with our daughter at some point, as Im sure you know, timing is everything.

Our daughter also wears a freedom wig, they are truely amazing,must talk online about this when I have more time.
All the best and thanks again
Steve

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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on May 24, 2013 at 2:04am

Hi Steve

I'd love to catch up.

Yes, when they get older different challenges arise ...that's for sure. Bless those gorgeous energetic teenagers we all love. :)

Rosy

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