Welcome friends. We are talking about Fighting Death. While this isn’t an easy subject it must be addressed. Take and deep breath and let us work towards understanding and knowledge.
So how much should you tell your child. First many children already know there is something wrong. Whether you are in a situation where there is an acute injury like a car crash or a long term problem like cancer. Hiding the possible end result and tip toeing around the illness may encourage your child to bottle up their feelings.
At this time more than any other you want a free flow of thought and discussion. For the littlest ones there is no need to burden them with a scary idea of death. Live life as best you can. Make the medical part of your life, or Medical will become your life! Easier said than done. But use resources such as Make a Wish to help lighten the load.
The older the your child gets the trickier it is. Talk together as husband and wife before to be straight about what is being said. When questions come I have always found it best to answer them honestly but brief. Then when your child is old enough to fully understand what is happening be supportive. They too are mourning a life they had planned.
Always be hopeful, doctor’s can be wrong! Miracles do happen.
Recommendations:
Water bugs & Dragonflies by Doris Stickney
The hurt that they feel by Mister Roger, Hedda Sharapan, Grace Ketterman, and Sue Bredekamp