You’ve just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and you are learning to cope with the disease, but how do you explain it to your children?
Depending on the age of your child, you may be able to wait awhile. For example, one woman said she didn’t feel it was necessary to explain a fairly complicated disease to her youngest child, a two-year-old. However, she also has a nine-year-old and a six-year-old. They will need to understand what is happening to Mom.
Each child will assimilate the information in his or her own way; it’s important to pay attention to your child’s behavior.
Being straightforward with your explanation is important. When preparing to talk to your child, be sure to reassure them that it isn’t a fatal disease. Here are some additional tips:
- Talk to each child separately.
- Listen to their questions and answer them to the best of your ability.
- Be observant to see if your child is suffering from anxiety.
- Schedule a “special family trip” to the neurologist so that he or she can explain the disease by showing pictures of the brain.
- If your child is having difficulty coping with your disease, ask your pediatrician if they can recommend a good therapist to help your child.
- Your child may ask “will I get Parkinson’s disease too?” Assure them that there is little chance that they will get Parkinson’s.
- Are you having problems with movement? Tremors? Balance? Let your child know that you may need help from time to time. It’s normal for families to unite and work together to help one another when they are going through difficult times. This situation is no different.
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