Grandma and Me

Grandma and Me was written by this author in hopes to provide an educational tool for children diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. The book describes, in an easier-to-understand version for children, what is happening to their bodies and what they might be able to do to make it better. Grandma, the author, was diagnosed with PA after a serious injury with a reaction that triggered her condition. Delilah, the main character of the book, was diagnosed at age seven with PA.

Delilah was struggling to understand the importance of managing her condition prompting Grandma to write the book so it could be used to educate children and alleviate some of the concerns that they may have. It describes what psoriatic arthritis is, how it is diagnosed, what common symptoms are, how people get this condition, and what can make it worse.

The book describes the types of doctors that may be involved, available treatments, and the importance of getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and how to protect your skin. Children with psoriatic arthritis may experience many feelings and emotional concerns. This book addresses many of the challenges that these children face as well as offers helpful suggestions about the importance of educating yourself, your family, peers, and people in your support system about this condition. The book teaches children to be comfortable with who they are as it points out that we are all special in our own ways and that Jesus loves everyone just the way they are. It encourages educating each other in a class setting about each other’s unique differences.

This book encourages the concept that when we treat others with kindness, they will treat us with kindness too. By providing more education about each other’s differences and having an improved understanding of each person’s unique needs, perhaps the children can develop a support system for each other. The book is designed to help boost self-esteem for those who are dealing with this particular medical challenge as well as broaden their support systems.