As a parent of a child with asthma, you may be asking yourself questions about asthma. One of the most important questions you may have is: How can my child with asthma live an active life?

This question stems from one of the most common myths about childhood asthma—that a child with this condition will not be able to live a full, active life. The fact is, asthma can be controlled and does not have to get in the way of your child's day-to-day life.

Take some time with Jo Frost and AANMA to talk asthma! Click on the tabs above and download the guide below to learn more about asthma, get practical parenting tips, and start the conversation!

How you talk with your child about asthma is largely determined by her age. It is important to involve your child in the management of her asthma as early as possible so that, as she matures she can take over the responsibility for her asthma care. Allow your child to participate in age-appropriate activities for her asthma, such as reminding you when it's time to take her medication, which will help her learn when to take it on her own.

Visits with your health care professional are important to keep your child's asthma under control. For the best visit, come prepared with an Asthma Symptom Diary. With a diary you can record your child's symptoms, his medication use, and any questions you may have between visits. It will help your doctor identify areas of concern and clues to controlling your child's asthma. Your child can use stickers, drawings, and words to describe any asthma symptoms.

Has your child’s asthma ever stopped you from taking her to a friend’s house or from sending her to summer camp or maybe even to school? For all parents raising a child with asthma, trusting their child’s health and safety to an outside caregiver can be distressing.