Discipline is a process of working with children so they know the limits that are set for them and what will happen if they go beyond those limits. Setting and upholding those limits for a child with a bleeding disorder is no different than for any other child. As a parent or caregiver, it may feel different. You may have worries about setting limits for a child with a bleeding disorder knowing they are already going through a lot. The social worker at your treatment center can be a great resource for tips to navigate this.

Your approach to setting limits with your child will also likely change as they get older. The rewards and consequences may look very different for a grade school aged child compared to a teenager. As your child gets older, they can be more a part of the planning around what the limits should be. They can also have more of a say in the rewards for following the rules and what will happen if they don’t. While every parent or caregiver has their own approach and style, there are some things to consider for discipline with a child with a bleeding disorder.

• Praise your child when he or she reports a bleed. Do not punish your child for having a bleed.
• Stress that having a bleeding disorder and needing treatment is not a punishment.
• Physical punishment, such as spanking, can cause bleeding and is not safe for your child. It has been shown to lead to more pushing the limits, not less.¹
• Aim for consistency. Praise the positive behaviors and consistently enforce the limits on the negative behaviors (removing privileges etc.).
• Discipline your child with a bleeding disorder the same as their sibling(s).
• Openly discuss risky behavior and activities. Talk about ways to stop these behaviors and to make sure they are safe.
• Remember to be patient with your child and with yourself. Enforcing the rules can be very draining. Take time for you.

For additional information on discipline through different ages and stages, you can visit HealthyChildren.org.