If you have a child with a chronic illness, you know the importance of daily care to keep your kiddo safe and healthy. As a parent, one of the best things you can do is make sure other adults in your child's life know what to do too.

That's why if children have asthma, diabetes or another condition, it's crucial to educate school staff, coaches and caregivers about how to manage daily care or emergencies.

Work with your child's doctor to complete a written care plan that spells out your child's medical needs. It might include information like this:

· Your child's medical history.

· Medicine your child needs to take and how to give it.

· Special requirements for meals, snacks or exercise.

· Symptoms that indicate your child's condition is worsening.

· How you and your child's doctor can be reached.

· When to call for emergency help, as well as emergency contacts.

Once the plan is ready:

Spread the word. Review the plan with the school nurse, your child's teachers and coaches, and anyone else who is responsible for your child.

Keep it current. Remember to update the plan when necessary—if your child's condition or any related information changes.

Stay on top of medicine. If your child needs help taking medicine, ensure that anyone giving it is properly trained. Also be sure there's enough of your child's medicine available.

Educate—and empower—your child. Explain as much as your child can understand about how to stay healthy. For example, do they know when to let an adult know about symptoms?

Keep communicating. Stay in touch with teachers to see if your child's condition is affecting school. If your child is missing a lot of school, alert your child's doctor too. The action plan may need adjusted.

Your Watson Clinic pediatrician can help you formulate a plan of action to ensure your child stays healthy wherever they are in life. Schedule an appointment at one of four convenient locations by clicking here.