ABSTRACT
Social activity is a major part of a child's and adolescent's existence. It helps children define who they are in their families and in their lives. As they grow, children move from the security of their family into a world that can be frightening and overwhelming. Although young children with chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome certainly have social challenges, most of their interactions with people come through family activities. For adolescents, who are trying to break away from the family, the situation is more complex. Friendships develop easily between children who sit next to each other or who are in the same reading group. Children are trying out social skills in a very limited, safe setting. Classroom activities, school clubs, organizations, and athletic events are the center of students' social development. They seek group activities with their peers, such as athletic games and school dances, in place of family activities.
