subject: How to explain illness to children [print this page] How to explain illness to children
For most parents, the idea of having to explain a terminal illness to their children fills them with dread - particularly if it is their child that's suffering from the sickness. How exactly do you explain an illness like cancer to a 5-year old, and how do you let them know that they may die as a result? While it is undeniably a difficult task, it's important to remember that explaining illness to children is not impossible and that honesty is by far the best approach. By communicating with children honestly and openly, the facts of a terminal illness and the possible consequences of it may become easier to understand.
To start with, children need to be told the basics of a particular illness. For example, if a child has just been diagnosed with leukemia, the word "leukemia" itself will not be a particularly helpful or enlightening phrase of explanation. Instead, explain to them in the simplest way possible how the illness starts, how it spreads and - most importantly - the possible effect it will have on their body in the future.
If the illness is terminal, you may also need to explain to your child that death is a possibility. Some parents choose not to broach this subject with their sick children. Others, however, think it is an important part of the process and, although this may be particularly difficult to explain, being as honest as possible is the right approach to take. Once you've broached the subject, it's then important to explain the steps that can be taken to make them better. If this involves surgery or chemotherapy, you'll need to detail exactly what is involved and the possible consequences of treatment - for example, loss of hair - so that there are no unexpected surprises.
If your child is scared of the treatment process that they will need to undergo, it might be helpful to visit a children's hospital and speak to other children who are undergoing the treatment about their experiences. Here, you may also be able to seek the advice of other parents and doctors, who may have access to illness survival rates that you can show your child if they would like to know the actual facts and figures. In most cases, children that are diagnosed with a serious illness will have to stay in a hospital for at least a few nights, and the idea of being away from home may cause further anxiety. A visit to the children's hospital in which they are going to stay, therefore, may be an important way to soothe their fears and ensure them that they will be cared for in a loving and comfortable environment.
Overall, you'll need to ensure that you provide your child with emotional support during their illness and be prepared to explain the ins-and-outs of sickness to them as much as you can. And with the assistance of other parents, children, your doctors and specialist support groups, the distressing nature of the situation may be minimised.
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