Talking to your kids about illness can be incredibly daunting, especially if the illness in question is also taking an emotional toll on you. You might also struggle to talk to your children if you are the person who is ill, as this condition might be having a negative impact on your physical health.
If you are struggling to tell your kids about the illness and yet do not want to keep it from them anymore, here are some top tips that could help you.
Tell Them Clearly
Many people might think it best to avoid telling their kids what an illness is exactly or they might want to use metaphor to soften the blow. However, it is best to tell your kids about the condition using the facts and clear terms that they can understand. For instance, you might describe your symptoms and how you are feeling. This will help them to know what is going on and will ensure that they do not think that you are hiding anything from them.
Talk to Them About the Future
It is also important that you talk to them about what will happen in the future. This will allow them to adjust their expectations and prepare for a number of eventual outcomes. Although you might want to tell them that you will get better, it is vital you do not tell them this if this is not the case. Otherwise, if anything happens to you or the person that is ill, this might come as a greater shock to them, and they might be unable to find the closure that they need. If you are struggling to talk to them about what is going to happen or your symptoms, you should visit moffitt.org. This website gives you all the information that you need and can ensure that you get the medical attention and care that you require.
Answer Their Questions
Children are often naturally curious. This means that they are likely to ask a lot of questions of you, some of which you might not be able to answer or might feel uncomfortable doing so. However, you should try to answer their questions in as straightforward and yet child-friendly terms as possible, as this can help to put their mind at rest and allow them to understand the situation.
Reassure Them
Your children might be worried about this illness, especially if it is affecting someone who they are very close to. This means that you should take the time to reassure them that, whatever happens, everything will be all right and that they will be safe. You might offer them verbal or physical affection, and you should look out for signs that they are anxious in the next few days. You should also tell them that you are happy for them to come to you whenever they need to talk and ascertain that they do not need to hide their feelings from you. This can enable them to get the support they need when they need it. If they are struggling a lot after your chat, you might consider looking for a counseling service for them.
