How can I help my children understand my chronic autoimmune conditions and their management?

I live with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Over the past two years, particularly with the uncertainty around covid-19 for immunocompromised patients, I realised that I had rarely included my children directly in conversations about my health.

My health conditions are largely invisible, which can be both a blessing and a challenge. To my children, their mama looks just as “well” as other parents they meet. However, when a flare or acute illness presents, some of the health challenges are very visible and frightening for my children, as it must be for others who have a parent living with a lifelong, chronic condition...