easy. The best approach is a direct one as children, even
very young ones, often sense that something is not right.
Their fears need to tackled and honesty is the best policy.
The amount of information you should give them depends on
their age and how grown up they are. Being honest is one
thing but giving them all the information at once may be too
much. Try spreading it out a bit to ease the shock of the
inevitable outcome.
Questions can be answered on a 'need to know basis'
initially but as more hospital vists are undertaken and the
patient is unwell at times then more detail needs to be
offered.
Getting the same question over and over again from young
children can be difficult at times but it should be realised
that this is a normal part of their development.
Teenagers may have a particularly hard time as they now have
to cope with additional strong emotions and extra
responsibilies, as well as the usual emotions which are part
of their development into adults. They may need to turn to
others outside the family if they find it difficult to talk
to family members e.g.family friend, teacher or counsellor.
Grief raises its head everywhere and it is important to
reasure children that it is not their fault that this
illness has happened.
It seems to be common amongst children that they feel they
are to blame and these feelings could last for some time.
Additionally, they may need to be put right about what they
have heard from friends and other people as it may not be
correct.
Children need to be dealt with sensitively but honestly. But
manage the communication of information according to age,
maturity and circumstances.
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