Support & Resources

Parent Support Pack*

Parenting a child with alopecia areata can be difficult. Parents of children with alopecia areata need to keep two things in mind. 1) Children can be much more resilient than we imagine. They are generally optimistic, and don’t have the expectation for rejection or ridicule that adults may have because they haven’t experienced or observed it as much as adults have. 2). Children take their cues from the adults in their world, and particularly from you, as a parent. If a child sees that his hair loss is a source of anxiety or sadness for you, he will internalize those feelings.

This does not mean that you should ignore or repress your own feelings of loss, sorrow, and anger when you are trying to cope. In addition, parents should know that feelings of guilt about somehow being responsible for your child’s hair loss are natural and to be expected. However, children with alopecia areata don’t blame their parents.

NAAF has many resources to help you help your children, and help yourself. Consider joining a support group in your area, or starting one if one doesn’t exist. The greatest healer initially is knowing that your family is not alone in what you are going through. Then, let us know how we can meet your specific needs. Below is a sample of how we can help.

If you have not done so already, you may request general information here and indicate that you would like any of the support materials below.

Educating Your Child’s School
NAAFSchoolPack.pdf

Educating Your Family & Friends
CastilloLetterWriting.pdf
GallagherFamilySharesTheirLetter.pdf

Introducing Your Child to Other Children with AA
Charlie’s Angels Section
AMother’sLoveAndSupportForHerSon.pdf
MyCourageousDaughterMelissa.pdf
MySonHans.pdf

Raising Awareness and Funds in Honor of Your Child
BatonRougeLinksforLocks.pdf
MooneyLinksforLocks.pdf
MothersLoveSendsHerOffandRunning.pdf
OurMagicalNightLetYourHairDown.pdf

*These articles will be changed periodically