Parents in crisis: helping them cope with a seriously ill child

The serious illness of a child is a stressful event for a family. Parents react to the crisis in a variety of ways. Many reactions to the crisis of illness have been observed. Nurses' understanding of parents' reactions is important before interventions are initiated. Guidelines show common reactions of parents when their child is seriously ill. Interventions are suggested that are designed to strengthen parents' coping responses. Parents who have developed adequate coping and problem-solving skills will usually be stronger in future stressful situations. A case study demonstrates an application of these guidelines.