Breaking the news to your child that you or your spouse is sick is hard and heartbreaking. Your family will be in for a rough ride, but helping your kids cope with the illness will make this difficult time easier on everyone.
Explain the Situation
The best way for your child to understand what’s going on is for you to explain it to them. This includes telling them what you know about the illness and shedding light on the reality of the situation. This can help prevent them from assuming the worst, which could lead to bigger troubles down the road.
Photo by vale ♡Acknowledge Feelings
Your child is going to experience a variety of emotions relating to your illness, so recognize them for what they are. Children often blame themselves for things that happen to their parents and it’s important to let them know that the illness is not their fault.
Photo by David K Poe Don’t Neglect
When someone in the family is sick, they become the main priority. However, you can’t forget to keep an eye on your kids. Give them the attention and love they need while also being supportive and caring to your sick spouse. If things around the house get tricky to manage, ask the kids to take on some more responsibilities—coming together in a time of stress and need is never bad.
Photo by Monkey Mash ButtonKeep Regular Activities
A family illness can change a lot of the household dynamic, but it’s important to keep some things constant, such as the kids’ activities. They still need something to take their mind off the illness, have an outlet and a chance to live joyfully. Try and keep as much of the regular schedule and dynamic the same to reduce their stress.
Photo by gabrielsaldana Feature Image: by sun dazed
