We will be a creative family ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¦ we will always be different'! A case study : coping with the care demands of chronic allergies

Research has suggested that the families of children with chronic illnesses or chronic conditions are remarkably resilient as they cope with the demands of the illness, often under considerable emotional, physical, financial and employment strain. For most families, an attempt is made to 'normalise' family life, not only for the ill child, but also for themselves and well siblings, by functioning within and around the limitations an illness and its management poses. In the early years, a place in an early childhood setting offers 'normalcy' for many families, where children with health care needs can interact with healthy peers during regular daily experiences. This case study describes the issues facing the family of a little boy with chronic allergic reactions. It outlines the family's attempt to normalise life for Max and his big sister Katie, whilst maintaining perspective and functioning as a whole.