Whilst we recognise that families approach things in different ways and medical conditions affect children in many different ways, Changing Faces’ Guides for Parents aim to equip you with some straightforward, very practical skills and tools to overcome some of the most common challenges and uncertainties.

There are 10 Guides in the series. Each Guide focuses on building your skills at different stage of your child’s development between birth and 1 years of age. Download the Introduction to the Guides .

 Newborn – 3 years

 When your baby looks different acknowledges some of the feelings you may have at this time and provides advice on handling some of the unfamiliar situations you may find yourself in. There are ideas on introducing your baby to family and friends and suggestions for how you can talk to your baby about her difference.

Making decisions about medical treatment, watching your child undergo surgery and taking care of her afterwards present some of the biggest challenges for parents. Going into hospital focuses on helping you to support your child and yourself during these times.

New parents often find handling other people’s reactions to their child very hard. Meeting others and feeling good takes you through different social situations step-by-step and includes lots of examples of things you can do and say so that you feel more confident and in control.

3-6 years

Children are naturally curious at this age and will be aware of differences around them. Your child will also be aware of how you are talking about her disfigurement and how you respond to other people’s curiosity. She will also be starting school and mixing with other children.

Talking to young children  explains why it is important for children to have straightforward, everyday conversations about their condition and gives you ideas about words you can use as well as how and when to bring up the subject.

Your child will be more aware of what is going on around her and Going into hospital looks at how you can prepare your child for going into hospital and allay her fears. This guide is also suitable for children between 7-11 years.

Meeting others and joining in explains how to handle other people’s reactions to your child’s appearance and encourage her to join in and play with other children. It also provides a useful introduction to supporting your child when she starts school.

7-11 years

Your child will be at school or doing lots of activities without you so the Guides in this age group help you and your child to feel confident and prepared for this new-found independence.

Talking to older children  explains how to develop and adapt the ways you talk about her visible difference to suit various situations.

Going into hospital shows you how to involve your child in her medical treatment whilst providing her with the reassurance she still needs.

Making friends and fitting in acknowledges the importance of feeling that you fit in for this age-group, particularly at school. It shows you how to role-model approaches to various situations and how to encourage your child to use them herself.

11-18 years

Handling adolescence  focuses on a number of issues encountered by teenagers and their parents. It also suggests practical strategies to enable parents to support their child through the additional challenges that growing up with an unusual face can pose.

After reading the Guides, you might like to find out about further support for yourself or your child. The Guide called Finding Further Support can help you to do this.

If you would like some advice on choosing a Guide, please contact the Children and Young People’s Service at Changing Faces on 0845 4500 275 or email support@changingfaces.org.uk.