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 that parents face.

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 11 years of age. Download the Introduction to the Guides .

Newborn – 3 years

A child develops tremendously over this time from total dependence on you to walking, talking, exploring, feeding herself, playing.

When your baby looks different acknowledges some of the feelings you may have at this time and provides some gentle advice on handling some of the unfamiliar situations you may find yourself in. There are some ideas on introducing your baby to family and friends and suggestions on 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 socialising with other children.

Talking to young children about disfigurement explains why it is important for children to hear their visible difference talked about in a straightforward, everyday way 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 about disfigurement 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.

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.

The Guides acknowledge that children develop at different rates and have different needs so don’t worry if you feel you or your child aren’t ready for some of the suggestions. You might find it easier to start with one Guide rather than reading through every Guide in a particular age-group – whatever feels right for you.

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 info@changingfaces.org.uk