Adolescent issues in renal treatment

Everyone who helps to care for a growing and developing child has the potential to impact the future. Families provide the greatest influence and bear the major responsibility, but physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, teachers, camp counselors, and others who work with children make a direct contribution toward the development of the child's self image and image of the world around them. At no other time in an individual's life do other people have such awesome power and responsibility. Families and caregivers working together on behalf of a child may be likened to an extended family; their combined efforts are needed to help promote the resilience that children need to cope with serious chronic illness.