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telling 13 yr old and 11yr old that grandfather has another tumor
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Jul 22, 2004 - 10:44 am
how do i tell my children that their grandfather has another tumor and that he might not make it this time? i want to tell them the truth but last time i told them they were very upset. they lost their grandmother a little over a year ago to cancer. |
Joined: Dec 2003
Hi Connie, What a sad time. My kids were just a little older when their grandpa got a terminal recurrance of his cancer. It was hard to discuss it, but as a nurse who's worked in long term care, I do think it's an opportunity for kids to deal with difficult things we all will face. I found that my kids took a lot of cues from me and their grandpa. He was very accepting that this was "his time", and was very strong emotionally. I tried to be clear with my kids that this was a sad time, but papa needed us. On our visits, they were able to help in little ways that made us all feel better.
Any other adults available to help support the kids? My cousins took extra time with them, which helped give everyone a bit of an emotional break.
Some communities have centers, often associated with hospice, that may have some helpful resources, as may the local library. It's a hard time for everyone, but dealing with illness and death is a necessary part of life.
You'll be in my prayers, Judy
Joined: May 2006
Hi Connie
I think the best way to talk to your children is to talk to them about God first.
Blessings
Delina