We understand it is a traumatic thing to find out a member of your family has been diagnosed with lead poisoning. You may experience many different emotions but understand that you are not alone. Many parents of lead poisoned children are feeling the same thing. It is important to recognize these emotions and to find a way to cope with them. Coping skills involve understanding our emotions and developing new techniques for dealing with the problems and challenges in our lives.

Awareness is the first step in coping with your child’s diagnosis. Many people are unaware of the dangers of lead poisoning and may be unsure what those terms mean. After learning your child’s diagnosis, you may want to ask Where can I go for help? Are my other children at risk? How do I help my child? These are all valid and important questions that you will need answers to.

You may also feel a variety of emotions including denial, anger, guilt, grief, and finally acceptance. It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are normal and understanding them will help you better deal with your child’s diagnosis. Outlined below are several common emotions that parents may experience after learning their child has lead poisoning.

Denial is often the first emotion felt by a parent who has learned their child has lead poisoning. Many parents want to believe that the lab tests are incorrect and their child was misdiagnosed. Others may feel that lead poisoning is not that bad and decide that their child does not need treatment. Denial is a valid emotion but do not let it interfere with getting your child the help he/she needs. Denial can be worked through with time and it usually transitions into anger.

Anger typically follows denial. Many parents become angry at the people they feel should have warned them about the dangers of lead poisoning. Other parents direct this anger inward and become angry with themselves for being unaware of the dangers of lead poisoning. It is important to channel this anger into positive changes for your child. Use this anger to seek out answers and get your child the help he/she needs.

Feelings of guilt can follow anger and are sometimes very harmful. Parents feel guilty for not protecting their children and not knowing the hazards that lead paint can pose. Guilt can prevent parents from taking action but it can also push parents into taking action. Margaret Sauser, President of United Parents Against Lead (UPAL) has noted that, “most parents I have dealt with…when they truly understand lead and begin the process of dealing with helping their child, go through a tremendous amount of guilt. This too is normal, but you can’t let it consume you!”

Parents can also experience feelings of grief because of their child’s condition. Grief is considered a healing emotion and is necessary to move toward the next phase of acceptance. Grief can empower you to make changes in your family’s life for the health and well-being of everyone.

Acceptance is the final emotion in the coping process. Acceptance includes feelings of empowerment and peace, and renewed energy to face the future without asking the question Why my child? Many parents being to reach out to others for support and assistance through support groups, public health nurses, counselors, and religious programs.

Practicing healthy coping skills will help parents focus on the needs of their children. There are many ways that parents can become empowered and involved in their child’s treatment and progress including

· Educating yourself on lead poisoning and your child’s specific needs. Most local and state health departments, as well as the federal government, have educational pamphlets and booklets available on the topic of lead poisoning. The library is also a great resource. Share this information with your family and friends.

• Advocating for your child. Ask questions of the doctors, nurses, public health workers, and others involved in your child’s care. If you don’t understand the answer, ask again.
• Involving other family members in the medical and educational components of your child’s treatment. This will reduce the stress of explaining what is happening and will also provide you with support throughout the process.
• Educating yourself on reducing the risk of lead in your home. You can receive much of this information from the local health department. Please also refer to Keeping your Family & Home Safe from Lead.
• Educating others on the hazards of lead poisoning and how to provide lead-safe environments for children.
• Requesting that your child have a hearing test and a behavioral evaluation for hyperactivity or learning problems, which may be signs of lead poisoning.