The presence of a chronically sick or handicapped child in the family places considerable physical and emotional strain on parents, healthy siblings, and even extended relations. This book, drawing on theoretical and practical sources, acknowledges the potential for distress involved in caring for a sick child but also emphasizes the coping resources and skills that can be, and frequently are, adopted by families. The author demonstrates that the consequences of chronic childhood disease vary systematically with the development of the child, and suggests ways in which coping resources can be developed and promoted.