Kidney disease and school

Your child might wonder whether they should tell others at school about their condition. Let them know that while it’s their decision, most friends will be interested in how they’re getting on.

It’s also good to let them know it’s perfectly normal to have good days and bad days. If they need to miss school because they’re feeling unwell, there is help from teachers if they fall behind.

While your child’s school should have a ‘no bullying’ policy, it helps to have a chat with your child and ensure they feel comfortable speaking to you if anything happens. Tell your child it’s OK to speak to teachers or other adults they trust, too.

If you can, proactively discuss the issue with the teachers at your child’s school, so they can help to look out for any signs of bullying that your child may not raise with you.

It’s important that your child doesn’t fall into the trap of eating too much junk food at school. Help them identify what types of foods are high in sugar and salt. You could even pack their lunchbox together as part of the learning process.

To find out more, see our nutrition and kidney disease fact sheet.

To maintain your child's emotional wellbeing, encourage them to stay in touch with friends – especially when they’re in hospital or at home sick. Otherwise, they may develop anxiety about returning to school.

It may also help your child to share their experience, particularly with other children. At Kidney Health Australia, we offer a children's program, which includes a Kidney Kids Camp for children on dialysis. The program gives your child the opportunity to connect with other young children with chronic kidney disease.

Your child should be aware that their school understands their special needs. If they have any problems, they can reach out for support. In addition to classroom teachers, schools usually have a counsellor or chaplain that can listen to their worries.

For comprehensive information that will help you and your child better understand kidney disease, download our living with kidney failure handbook.

If you’re still unsure, call the Kidney Helpline on 1800 454 363 or email Kidney.Helpline@kidney.org.au.