Parenting Todays Teens Radio
  • When Teens are Seriously Ill (4-22-2009)

     

    SCRIPT: Parents asked me when to break serious medical news to their teenager.

    The parents wondered, “When do I tell them?” “How much information do they need?”

    My rule in these situations is to always keep a child “in the know” about their illness. It affects their future, and they deserve to know what’s in store.

    A child may respond to the devastating news of a terminal illness better than you thought. But begin by telling them in age-appropriate terms. Share more details as they ask for it and can handle it.

    Above all, keep communication lines open to allow the child to talk freely about their illness and not keep it pent up inside.


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