How to explain Crohn's to Children

 It's been a while. I had another post planned but I was faced with a conundrum that got me thinking. My cousin had her 4th birthday, Peppa Pig themed, with balloons that are still floating around the house weeks later. I like to think I have taught her how to be mindful, and curious, of others but that would be an overstatement.

She noticed I was eating a different cake to everyone else at the party and asked why. I have never had to explain Crohn's to anyone younger than me and I was not sure what to say. I always try to be honest with people younger than me but it's unfamiliar territory for me to tread. Explaining Crohn's to someone my own age, for all my introversion, is relatively easy: "Google Crohn's"

I wanted to be accurate in telling her about my Crohn's but also make it accessible for her so she doesn't get confused or worried. I was also having to fend off a magpie, her 1 year old brother, who never eats at family parties, suddenly having a particular interest in my plate.

So I went with vague.

I have to eat special food because I can't eat the same foods as you. I am allergic to some food and the can make me sick. I have this cake and you have your Peppa Pig cake.

The topic was dropped, as she got distracted by the mention of Peppa Pig and the fact that it was her favourite colour: blue.

It did get me thinking "How do I explain Crohn's to children" Whether I babysit them, or one day raise some as my own, this won't be the last time I have this conversation.

With all the news about ChatGPT going around I thought this might be a fun chance to see how AI explains Crohn's to a child.

Crohn's disease is a condition that affects the digestive system. Our digestive system is responsible for breaking down the food we eat and absorbing the nutrients from it. In people with Crohn's disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive system, causing inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

It's like there are soldiers in our body that are supposed to protect us from bad things like germs, but in people with Crohn's disease, the soldiers get confused and start attacking the good things in our digestive system. This can make it harder for our bodies to get the energy and nutrients we need to grow and stay healthy.

Doctors and scientists are still learning a lot about Crohn's disease, and there are many different ways to treat it. But with the help of doctors, medicines, and healthy habits like eating well and getting enough rest, many people with Crohn's disease can still live happy and healthy lives

Update: I turned to the best place to find advice on the internet, Reddit. Here's what people had to say.