At the Pediatric IBD Foundation, we understand the emotional and physical toll IBD can take—not just on kids but on entire families. Our mission is to help parents and children navigate this journey with confidence, compassion, and hope.
In this post, I want to share six practical strategies that can help minimize the impact of IBD on your child’s daily life. These are simple, actionable steps that can make a world of difference in how your child experiences school, friendships, sports, and everything in between. As a bonus, you can also download a PDF version of this tip list.
Because while IBD may be part of your child’s life, it doesn’t define them.
One of the hardest things about parenting a child with IBD is the instinct to protect them—but overprotection can sometimes make them feel “different” or fragile. Kids need to feel normal, even when managing a chronic illness.
💡 Tip: Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy, like sports, clubs, or playdates. If your child is hesitant, talk openly about their fears. Maybe they’re worried about needing a bathroom break during soccer practice—that’s okay. Work with coaches or teachers to create a plan that allows them to participate comfortably, and let them know it’s perfectly normal to have unique needs.
IBD symptoms can be unpredictable, and nothing feels worse to a child than being stuck in a social situation where they don’t feel well.
Tip: Give your child a discreet “out” in social settings. For example, if they’re at a friend’s birthday party and start feeling unwell, have a simple system in place—a text message code like “Mom, check on me” can be a lifesaver. It gives them control and an escape plan without embarrassment.
IBD can interfere with how your child’s body absorbs nutrients, which can affect growth and energy levels. It’s a delicate balance: ensuring they get enough calories while also avoiding foods that might trigger symptoms.
Tip: Work with a pediatric dietitian who specializes in IBD. They can help create a meal plan that focuses on nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods. Smoothies, nut butters, and high-calorie snacks can sneak in extra nutrition. And remember—it’s not about perfection. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
During flare-ups, kids may associate eating with pain or discomfort, leading them to avoid food altogether. This can be incredibly frustrating (and scary) for parents.
Tip: Focus on small, frequent meals with easy-to-digest options like broths, smoothies, or soft foods. Encourage hydration and make mealtime as stress-free as possible. Sometimes, the emotional burden of eating can be just as heavy as the physical one. Be patient and compassionate—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
School can be a major source of anxiety for kids with IBD. Worrying about needing the bathroom or feeling different from classmates can affect their confidence and participation.
Tip: Work with the school to put a 504 Plan in place. This legal document ensures your child gets the accommodations they need, like unrestricted bathroom access, extra time on assignments during flares, or a private place to rest if needed. Most importantly, have open conversations with your child about how they’re feeling at school—sometimes, just knowing they have a plan can ease a lot of anxiety.
It’s a common fear for kids with IBD: needing a bathroom in an unfamiliar place. This anxiety can limit their willingness to go on trips, outings, or even to school.
Tip: Turn it into a game—when you’re out and about, help your child “scout” the nearest restrooms, so they feel prepared. There are even apps like Flush that map public bathrooms nearby. Pack a small bag with essentials like wipes, extra clothes, and hand sanitizer. Having a plan reduces anxiety and gives your child a sense of control.
As a parent, you’re balancing so much—being a caregiver, an advocate, and a source of strength. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But remember: your child is watching how you handle this, and your resilience becomes their resilience.
With a few practical strategies and a lot of compassion, you can help your child thrive—not just survive—with IBD.
At the Pediatric IBD Foundation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit pedsibd.org for more resources, tips, and information on navigating pediatric IBD.
You’re not alone in this. And neither is your child. 💛