Children may want to talk to adults at school about issues concerning their vitiligo. It is important that you acknowledge their concerns and talk to them in a matter-of-fact, confident way about their appearance. A child with vitiligo may need reassurance that the change in their skin colour makes no difference to the way adults at school feel about them. If you are concerned about the psychological well-being of a child with vitiligo, it may be appropriate to refer them to a counselling service, after consulting his/her parent/carer.
Be prepared to talk to a child about vitiligo.
Including a child with vitiligo.
As with any child with difficulties, emphasizing their strengths, and making sure that they are included in school activities will build up confidence and self-esteem. If they seem withdrawn, it may be appropriate to create opportunities for the child with vitiligo to socialize with the other children.
Depending on the age of the children, working on challenging stereotypes of beauty will be a valuable way of including a child with vitiligo. It is helpful to encourage the class to look at materials that celebrate being different, in contrast to those that suggest that ‘beautiful’ is always good and ‘ugly’ is bad.
Skincare in hot weather
You need to be aware that a child with vitiligo will probably need to take extra care when their skin is exposed to sunlight. Most people with vitiligo are particularly vulnerable to sunburn. Not only is sunburn painful but it might stimulate the vitiligo to spread in some people. It is therefore important to make sure that children with vitiligo wear a sunhat and use sun protection creams or lotions to prevent it. They should be encouraged to keep in the shade, particularly at the hottest time of day. Please register your child today to become a member to receive an essential pack
PE Activities
Be aware that there may be particular issues in PE. A child with vitiligo may be reluctant to change their clothes in front of other children, or they might not want to participate in an activity like swimming. You will need to discuss strategies for managing these difficulties with the child’s parent/carer.
Dealing with bullying
The school’s bullying policy will apply to all instances where children are picked on by their peers. It will be useful if all staff, including meal supervisors and classroom assistants, have information about vitiligo to help them deal with problems arising from a child having the condition.
Tshepi and Tshepo
Meet Tshepi and Tshepo our dynamic duo on a mission to educate and inspire! Through their adventures, they’ll help your kids learn about the beauty of diversity and vitiligo, fostering understanding and acceptance from a young age!
Confidence Tips With Tshepi.
Tshepi’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how to cultivate confidence while dealing with vitiligo. Through her own experiences, Tshepi imparts the valuable lesson of embracing one’s unique skin with pride and self-assurance. Her story reminds us that our differences are what make us remarkable and that loving and accepting ourselves empowers us to face the world with positivity. In addition to promoting self-confidence, Tshepi also sheds light on the importance of finding suitable treatments for vitiligo. Her advocacy encourages individuals to seek the right solutions for their skin, whether it’s medical interventions, skincare routines, or lifestyle adjustments. Ultimately, Tshepi’s impact is a testament to the strength that comes from both self-acceptance and the pursuit of effective care.
Adventures With Tshepo.
Tshepo’s journey is a source of inspiration, showing us that having vitiligo doesn’t hinder us from embarking on remarkable adventures. Through his experiences, Tshepo demonstrates how to navigate life’s escapades while prioritizing skincare and self-care. His story underscores the importance of embracing every moment and seizing opportunities, regardless of skin differences. Tshepo’s approach to adventures encompasses not only exploring new places but also discovering the best ways to care for his skin along the way. His dedication to skincare serves as a reminder that self-confidence is nurtured through self-care. By openly sharing his strategies for maintaining healthy skin and managing vitiligo, Tshepo empowers others to embark on their own journeys with a sense of assurance. His narrative resonates with the idea that embracing our uniqueness and practising self-care are pivotal in creating memorable and fulfilling adventures.
