Independence is a challenging notion for people of all ages who are living with haemophilia, as they will always require some degree of assistance from family, their comprehensive care team, and even from time to time the emergency department to help them with both acute and long-term issues. Understanding when to turn to others is part of the process of growing, maturing, and gaining independence.
Parents need time to let go—they are used to being needed! They need to know that their young adult still want their encouragement and support, even as they are striking out on their own. Young adults need to learn to ask for more independence slowly and earn their parents’ trust. By learning to make the right choices and demonstrating that they are taking care of their haemophilia, teens will build self-confidence and earn their parents\’ trust.