(14-18yo)

Advice for Parents

Work Together To Make Things Easier

Ask your teen what is working well for them about their life with an ostomy and see if you can work together to make things easier or better for them:

Are there things we can do to make it easier to change your ostomy pouch or appliance?
Ask your teen what information they are comfortable with you to share with others about their health. It might not always be possible to respect their wishes, but this can be a good start for understanding how best to respect their privacy.
Your teen should now be able to handle the day to day needs of ostomy care. Ask them how things are going.
Your teen should participate in visits with healthcare providers by asking questions and giving information.
You and your teen could write notes about what you would like to address with providers before going to appointments or calling.

Schedule Time

Schedule time for you and your teen to talk about your feelings in a safe, non-judgement space where you can both share and learn how the other is feeling. You might not always have the same feelings or understand each other’s feelings and that’s okay! It is much easier to respect someone’s feelings when you are aware of them.

It’s okay to feel great OR really bad about the ostomy and that can change often. There are several blogs, forums, and groups available:

  • Encourage your teen to join a support group! Email pediatric.ostomy@gmail.com to learn more about Pediatric Ostomy Group Support (POGS) that meets on Zoom once per month for parents and kids.
  • Encourage your teen to check out sites like Girls with Guts, Ostomy Tips for Teens on Youtube and others.

Join or Attend Support Group

Join a UOAA Chat room where teens with ostomies can come together and talk about their experiences and concerns.

NOTE: Youth Rally 5-night summer camp promotes wellness, self-confidence, friendships, and fun!

Trauma can accumulate and feelings related to trauma can be triggered unexpectedly:

  • Listening to your mind and body can help identify these triggers.
  • Talk to a parent, friend or counselor about your feelings and experiences.
  • Keep conversations positive. Point out strengths, when they do something well. Celebrate their successes.
  • Honor independence and individuality. Remind your adolescent that you are there to help when needed.

Hope, support, and finding community

Parent Stories

Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like). Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).

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