Many people don’t realize that kids can develop arthritis. So when a child is diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), it can come as a shock. Before parents can explain the condition to the family, they often have to educate themselves.

In fact, juvenile arthritis, which is also called pediatric rheumatic disease, affects around 300,000 kids and teens in the United States. While it sounds like a specific condition, the term actually refers to several inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop before age 16. In most cases, the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue, which can cause swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints, and even impact the skin and organs, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Some of the types of JIA you might have heard of include systemic onset JIA, oligoarticular JIA, polyarticular JIA and psoriatic arthritis.

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with a type of JIA, meeting with your care team regularly to address challenges and help manage symptoms will be important. In addition, parents can take the following steps to empower themselves and their child as they learn to navigate this chronic condition.

1. Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition helps support overall health. Focus on eating lots of whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean protein, along with foods rich in fiber. At the same time, try to minimize processed foods with added sugar, saturated and trans fats, charred foods and artificial ingredients, which may cause inflammation in some people, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Work to help your child reach and maintain a healthy body weight, because that can help minimize stress on their joints.

2. Consider stocking up on heating pads and ice packs. If your child experiences joint pain and stiff muscles, heat and ice may offer relief. The Cleveland Clinic says that warm baths and heating pads may help relax muscles and reduce spasms and stiffness while loosening joints. And ice or cold packs may help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor for specific recommendations.

3. Communicate their needs to their school. Before school begins, make sure you’ve set up a time to speak with teachers and administrators about what your child may need, whether it’s classroom accommodations (they may qualify for a 504 plan, for example), a heating pad for stiff joints and any medications they take. Let the school know about the symptoms your child regularly experiences, such as fatigue, joint pain or limited mobility, so that you can all devise a plan and work together.

4. Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits of physical activity. There may be days when flare-ups make movement feel painful. But physical activity, when it’s manageable, is important for kids with arthritis. In fact, some doctors may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles, relieve pain and prevent injuries. Team sports and athletics may also be beneficial to your child, not only for the exercise aspect, but also for the social aspects and mental health benefits. The Arthritis Foundation suggests low-impact endeavors, such as swimming and aquatic workouts, cycling, yoga and tai chi. Talk to your child’s care team about the benefits of exercise and sports participation to decide what’s best.

5. Ask your child questions about how they feel. Young people who have chronic health conditions, such as juvenile arthritis, face a higher risk of developing mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Check in with them regularly and inquire about how they’re feeling mentally as well as physically. Help them cope with stress through activities such as relaxation and visualization. Also, consider joining a support group for kids with juvenile arthritis.

6. Plan ahead for doctor’s visits. It happens to the best of us: you have a dozen questions you want answers to, but when you get to your child’s appointment, you forget nearly all of them. To avoid that, write your questions down on paper or save them in your phone. Then, commit to asking every single one of them. In the event that you still forget something, follow up with the care team through your patient portal. Also, remember to take notes during the appointment to help you remember what you learn later.

7. Watch for changes in your child’s behavior. There are days when they may say they feel OK, but the way they carry themselves says otherwise. The American College of Rheumatology says to look for signs such as limping, fatigue, moving slower in the mornings, diminished appetite or swelling in the joints. Keep your health care provider apprised of any changes, so they can adjust treatments as needed.

8. Help them live as full and normal a life as possible. For care teams, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and stiffness and help kids lead lives that are as normal as possible. That’s where you come in as a parent, too. Help your child find activities, sports and hobbies they enjoy and encourage them to do their best in school, so that they can lead a fulfilling life.

When a child is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, it can be stressful for the whole family. Roles and attention can shift as parents seek out medical care for the child affected and grapple with the diagnosis. Siblings may feel left out, resentful or even guilty. Consider seeking individual or family therapy to help work through the emotions that can come with managing a chronic disease. Seeing to it that every family member is cared for—including yourself—is essential.