{"id":3994,"date":"2025-09-25T13:31:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pku.biomarin.com\/en-us\/?page_id=3994"},"modified":"2025-11-19T16:23:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T16:23:42","slug":"parents-of-teens","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pku.biomarin.com\/en-us\/caring-for-a-loved-one\/parents-of-teens\/","title":{"rendered":"Parents of teens"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Parents of teens<\/span>\n<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n

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Preparing your teen for a life with PKU<\/h2>\n

As your child becomes a teen, they’re ready to take on more responsibility for their PKU care.<\/p>\n

Below you\u2019ll find practical advice on encouraging their independence while still being there when they need you. With the right approach, you can help your teen build the confidence and skills they need to manage their condition successfully for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Creating a personalized treatment plan<\/h2>\n

When your child\u2019s PKU isn’t managed, high levels of Phe can build up in their blood. This can cause serious health issues such as cognitive challenges and mood disorders. That\u2019s why long-term management of Phe levels is so crucial. It protects your child and their ability to reach their potential academically, socially, and emotionally.<\/p>\n

Every teen with PKU is different, and treatment plans often need adjusting over time. A low-Phe diet combined with medical food\/formula works well for some kids. But many benefit from medication that helps the body process Phe more effectively.<\/p>\n

Tips to help your teen find the right approach:<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Customize the plan\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Work with your clinic team to find the treatment approach that best fits your teen’s goals and lifestyle.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Be flexible\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Adjust the treatment plan together with your teen as they gain independence and their routines change.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Build a strong clinic team\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Managing PKU is a team effort. A good clinic team can provide expert guidance, answer questions, and support both you and your teen. This team may include metabolic specialists, dietitians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Schedule regular check-ins\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Plan regular clinic visits and stay in touch with your clinic team between appointments if you need any additional guidance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Empower your teen\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Encourage your teen to play an active role in their health by asking questions, participating in decision-making, and taking on more of their care at home.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Stay informed<\/h2>\n

Enroll in PKU & ME to receive emails on the latest information about treatment and managing PKU.<\/p>\n \n Enroll in PKU & ME<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Supporting your teen with PKU<\/h2>\n

Being a teen with PKU comes with challenges. Here are some ways you can support them along the way.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t