Keeping Kids Safe

If treatment controls their seizures completely, most children can live normal, active lives with few restrictions.

But if a child is still having some seizures, how do you know what are reasonable and safe activities for him?

First, you ask the parents and write down any special instructions they may have. If there are no special rules, treat a child with epilepsy just as you would any other child in your care, but be extra watchful if he or she is playing in or near water or high places.

You'll also want to make sure the child gets to bed on time and gets his or her medicine on time. You'll need to know what the medicine looks like, where it's kept, how much to give, and how it should be given.

If the child is on a special diet for epilepsy, you will want to make sure nobody gives him or her anything that has not been already prepared by the parents.

Special care

Sometimes you may be asked to babysit for a child who still has lots of seizures, and may have other disabilities as well. In that case, it's a good idea to spend some time at the child's house before you actually babysit for him.

You'll get to know him and he'll get to know you. You'll probably see what his seizures look like and how they affect him.

Most important, you'll see how his parents handle the seizures and how he feels afterwards.