DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, and I’m going to have to take a lot of medicine for the rest of my life. I’m adjusting to that idea, but I have another problem. I have
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, and I’m going to have to take a lot of medicine for the rest of my life. I’m adjusting to that idea, but I have another problem. I have two small children who keep asking questions about all the pills I’m taking and why. Plus, just having all the meds around makes me nervous. I have the special childproof tops, but I worry that one day they may be able to get into them. Am I being paranoid? I just don’t know how to handle this new stage in my life.
— Alison, Tacoma, Wash.
Dear Alison: In plain and simple terms, you should explain to your children that part of your body is not well and the way to get better is to take the medicine you have. Explain that this medicine will only work for you and your body because you need it. They do not. Medicine taken by the wrong people can actually make them sick. Be sure to store your medication in a safe place out of their reach, but don’t hide it from them. If you will be taking medication from here on out, they should know so that they understand it’s a part of your life. Keep them informed. That will help to keep them safe.
In addition, teach them how to be healthy by eating well, exercising with them, and participating in as active of a lifestyle as you can manage.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My grandmother lives in the South, and she is quite old. She has been asking my parents to bring my brother and me down to see her this summer, but so far they haven’t answered. I have had a part-time job for the whole year, and have saved up enough money to buy train tickets for the two of us. I want to offer this to my parents because I really think we should go visit Grandma. I am 17, and my brother is 12. I know he’s a little bit young, but I can take care of him. I think we should go. How can I convince my parents to say yes?
— Deb, Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Deb: What a wonderful idea! I’m sure your parents will be most appreciative of your intention. That you saved money and are happy to spend it to visit your grandmother is honorable. There’s a chance they will agree if they can figure out the route and have someone pick you two up when you get to your destination. Or your efforts might inspire them to take some time off this summer and jump in the car to go visit as a family, in which case your financial contribution could go toward gas. Ask them to work with you to figure out a solution to get to Grandma’s as soon as possible. Be sure to stay in touch with your grandmother so she knows you are thinking about her.
• Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is the acting editor in chief of Ebony magazine. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o United Features Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.
