How Do You Talk To A Child About Cystic Fibrosis?
Assess the child’s maturity level before you talk to him about cystic fibrosis. As with most serious conversations, you should discuss cystic fibrosis honestly and openly with a child. This is especially true if the child is the one suffering from this hereditary disease. Gather your facts before you talk to a child about cystic fibrosis. Take notes about respiration quality during doctor’s visits, read about respiratory therapy and mucus-thinning medication until you feel comfortable with your knowledge. Develop an outline to help you remember to cover all aspects of cystic fibrosis. Children will understand you better if you present your ideas in an organized manner. Consider scheduling a session with a therapist to make sure you can keep your emotions under control during your talk. Cystic fibrosis can cause feelings of anger, denial and helplessness, which you do not want to pass onto your kids. Ask your doctor to recommend a cystic fibrosis support group. Ask group members how the
