How can parents of children talk to them about their diagnosis?
The most important aspect of communication is making sure that you are honest and open. All of the discussions about diagnosis must be directed at maintaining and continuing to build trust in the relationship. It is the foundation that makes children feel secure. In communicating with children, there needs to be a two-way process in which a parent both talks and listens to what the child is experiencing. How much you tell children and the level of detail provided should be dependent on the age of the child. Younger children need less detail and more mature older children need more factual information. The important thing is that children can depend on you to answer their questions and that those answers are always honest. Many times young children need reassurance that they will be cared for no matter what is happening medically. Being able to reassure them who will be there for them when treatment is happening can be very reassuring. We encourage parents to seek out consultation from
