Teenagers

Being a teenager is full of complexities, and being a teenager with a long-term painful condition is even more so. No one should walk this journey alone, and there is support - friends, whānau, your child's health team and Arthritis NZ.

Children and teens with JIA often need 8 to 10 hours of quality sleep a night to recharge. Support good sleep hygiene with:

• Regular bedtimes and wake-up times
• A calming wind-down routine (try reading, stretching, or warm showers)
• A screen-free hour before bed
• A quiet, comfy sleeping space

Regular, gentle exercise supports strength, flexibility, mood and pain relief. Encourage activities like:

• Swimming or hydrotherapy
• Biking
• Guided physiotherapy
• Stretching routines recommended by a health professional

Structured activity also helps boost confidence and gives a sense of progress.

From around age 12 to 13, it’s a good time to gently involve your child in their own care. Let them help manage their medications, ask questions at appointments, and understand their body’s needs. This builds long-term confidence and life skills.

Living with JIA can feel unfair or frustrating, especially during flare-ups. Encourage open chats about feelings, moods, and school or social worries. Remind your child it’s okay to have hard days, and they don’t need to hide how they’re feeling.

You don’t have to do this alone. There are people who get it, other parents, teens with arthritis, and professionals who want to help.

Support from Arthritis NZ includes:

• Arthritis Assist – talk to someone who understands
• Families Camp and Teens Camp – connect with others who “just get it”

Starship’s Youth Transition Programme supports pre-teens as they prepare to move into adult health services. This includes learning about medications, vaccinations, consent, alcohol, piercings, relationships, and sexual health.