famograham Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 This is such a scary topic for me!!! My kids are DD6 and DS10. They are extremely close to my Mom, and spend most weekends having sleepovers at Mumo's (that's how my son said grandma at 9 months old..and it just stuck..she is now officially Mumo to all the kids!) house! All we know at this point, is that she has lung cancer. We do not yet know the type/stage etc.. We've decided not to tell them anything at this point because nothing has changed in their world yet. Mom is not really sick right now. What I need to know is: How on earth do we tell them?? What do we tell them, and WHEN??? I CANNOT imagine telling them if my hubby and I are still smoking! It would scare them to death! How do we do this?? Do we wait? Is it wrong of us to wait? What do you all think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famograham Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 Thanks so much Katie, for splitting this off..and also for your wonderful reply You have made me feel reassured. We spend tons of time with Mom now, always have, so that is not strange to them. I agree with keeping it simple, age appropriate...etc.. As for the smoking...hopefully by the time we need to tell them anything..that will be a non-issue! xoxox Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Q Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Katie said it so well, I have little to add! I agree. Kids definitely sense something is going on, and I would gently and honestly answer their questions if asked right now. However, I see nothing wrong with waiting. Treatments will cause changes the kids may notice, and you can address it at that time. Save them the worry, and let them be kids for now. But don't dodge their inquiries...they are sharper than adults give them credit for!!!!!!!!!! ~Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famograham Posted April 7, 2008 Author Share Posted April 7, 2008 I'm so grateful to have my feelings backed up! Thank you so much. We are big believers that all questions about anything should be answered with honest, age appropriate answers, so this is really good to hear. Thankfully, so far there's nothing from their point of view to ask questions about. love, Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pewjumper Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Linda, as far as your questions, I don't have any answers, but I just wanted to say that you're at one of the toughest times right now. The waiting to see where you stand and where to go was the hardest part for me. I want to encourage you to hang in there, once you know staging and treatment ideas, IMHO, it gets easier. I agree that would be a good time to discuss it with the children. Also, I want to encourage you on quitting smoking. I quit after my mom's diagnosis, this week makes a year since I have smoked. No it's not easy but it absolutely can be done. In the past two years, my mom, 2 of my aunts, three of my cousins, and at least 3 more of my closest friends have all quit. Your quitting will become an inspiration to others around you and set a good example for your kids! Best of luck to you. Mitchell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.