Protecting your child's joints from injuries does not mean keeping him or her out of sports and stuck in the house. Although pain can limit physical activity, exercise is important to reduce the symptoms of JRA, maintain basic functions and help support and protect the joints.

Exercise and movement are crucial to maintain proper weight, improve strength and coordination, and build lifelong good health habits. Emotionally, team sports can help children build social skills while providing a general sense of well-being.

Swimming is the best exercise of all for children with JRA. Many joints and muscles are exercised with minimal strain on the joints because water supports your weight, while the level of activity can be varied from very mild to very strenuous.

Other good sports and activities, done in groups or alone, include walking and biking. It is especially important to wear good shoes with shock-absorbing soles, and it is crucial to warm-up and stretch properly.

Some sports, particularly impact sports such as football, can be hazardous to weakened joints and bones and are generally not advised for children with JRA.

But if your child really wants to do something, he or she should go for it. Teach your child to not let anything stand in the way, to rise above the pain and discomfort involved in playing sports. Tell your child that there are many people who suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who play sports.

Consult your child's doctor about sports restrictions. And understand that during a flare-up, the doctor may advise limiting certain activities, depending on the joints involved. But once the flare-up is over, your child can resume regular activities.

Your child will have bad days. But teach him or her to not give in to this illness, that the illness can be beaten. Encourage your child to play – but to play smart! And stress to your child to be grateful for all of the wonderful things in life.    

Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out into the ocean.