A difficult health diagnosis can be distressing enough for you, let alone your children. When you have just been diagnosed with a serious health issue, your first thought might be for them and how they will cope with the situation. Rather than trying to keep your condition from them and keeping them in the dark, it is vital that you discuss your diagnosis with them, as this will allow them to process it in their own time. With this in mind, here are some tips that can help you navigate the conversation with your children.
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Explain It in Simple Terms
Firstly, you need to explain your condition to your children, including your symptoms and what your treatment will involve. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you might talk about the early symptoms of lung cancer to be aware of. This is especially the case if they notice some changes to you or your appearance while you are having treatment. Sometimes, it can be tempting to dumb it down for them. Instead, you should try to explain it clearly in a way that you believe they will understand. You should also avoid sugarcoating your condition or pretending you are feeling better than you truly are. If you do this, you might find that your children struggle to cope if your condition worsens later on.
Answer Their Questions
Children are curious beings by nature. Their direct honesty can be disarming, though, and you might not believe they are ready for the answers they crave. Although it is up to you as their parent to decide how you answer their urgent questions, it is vital that you never dismiss or ignore them, as this can lead to them feeling frustrated and confused. They might also seek answers from other sources that are out of your control.
Reassure Them
Your children are likely to be incredibly worried if you sit them down to tell them about a health diagnosis, especially if this is one of the big ones that they might have heard about previously, such as cancer. You need to reassure them as best as you are able and give them all the comfort they might require. You might also discuss how you and your family are going to support them during this difficult time. Reassurance should not take the form of false promises, though, and you should not make up truths that will not come to pass just because you do not want them to fret.
Discuss What Happens Next
You should also include the future in your conversation, as this is likely to be what is dominating their mind. For instance, you should tell them if their living situation or routine is going to change and what you will be going through to cure or treat your health issue. You should make sure you do not make this discussion too bleak, even if you are not incredibly positive or hopeful yourself, as this can give your children something to hold on to if they are struggling and can ensure that they are able to carry on with normal life even if they are concerned.
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