As a parent or carer, it can often be difficult to come to terms with the fact that your child looks different and you may have very real concerns about your child's future: how will they get on at school or make friends; how can you help them to develop self-confidence and self-esteem? Finding out about your child's condition or treatment options can also be a bewildering experience.

If your child is very young, you will probably find people's reactions to your child more distressing than they will. One of the biggest challenges facing parents is learning to handle other people's reactions to your child effectively. If you can learn to do this, you will also be able to help your child manage the staring, questions or name-calling that may occur as they grow up and become aware of their difference.

Being able to talk to family, friends or organisations like Changing Faces can help you to cope with your feelings and make sense of what has happened. Also, knowing how to take control in difficult situations and how to get the help and advice you need can make a big difference to your confidence and most importantly, to the self-confidence and self-esteem of your child.

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