The basics of tough conversations with children:
Why?
Give your children some credit. You know they can read the vibe in the room. It’s only fair to spell it out so they don’t draw their own conclusions. Let’s face it: logic in our youngsters can be funny but it can also be flawed.
It’s not anything to avoid, it’s just life. Let’s open the subject and teach our children how to face tough situations with optimism, humor, strength and grace.
It’s a teachable moment. They will learn about the range of emotions, that everyone has them and that it is okay to show and share how they feel.
It’s not fair to have them hear from anyone else or to live for one day with the fear that they caused it or can catch it.
Children are also great at empathy. One of my favorite moments during my husband’s diagnosis and treatment was the walk that our son and I took in the Healing Garden just adjacent to the hospital where his biopsy was taking place. Holding that tiny hand in that beautiful place was somehow very comforting. Don’t deny yourself or your children that moment and opportunity.