Hello!

My husband and I both have chronic illnesses, though mine is more the after effects of a medical accident after my fourth was born. It is serious, and could be life threatening. How have others balanced telling their kids the truth, but not scaring them? My kids are all under 8.


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  • I would tell them in simple terms and when they’re ready for more info they’ll come with questions.


  • I feel like you could tell them but sugar coat it a little


  • Just stick to minimal nformation, basic facts, that you’re a bit sick and need to be careful. Then as they get older, add to it as they’ll understand more


  • Tell them the basics, you’re sick and have to be careful. When they get older and can understand more, explain it to them better


  • yes i am not in the boat you are in, but try to keep it age approap. sorry to hear that this is what you are faced with. so hard to tell the kids. try to keep it positive so they won’t be afraid.


  • We’re in a similar boat, with 4 kids ranging from 3-14. As our kids get older, we are more open with our illnesses but it is about age appropriateness. When they were little, it was more about letting them know what we can and can’t do, and managing energy levels. Kids adjust. They soon learned we couldn’t pick them up, they had to climb up to us on the lounge. It’s normal life. They are safe, well loved, well fed. Its about managing priorities and if you have to use the dryer occasionally then be happy your clothes are clean. We answer our childrens’ questions about our illness when they ask, as honest as possible. The older two (12 & 14) know I nearly died, but that I am stable now and back driving a car, cooking, running a household. The younger two just know I have good and bad days and that Mummy needs to rest now, I’ll help them soon. As they get older, they’ll learn more. Good luck.


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