Approaching children with information about our disease is a good thing, but it's important to keep it simple so they understand it. For instance, "I have medical conditions called depression. It will never go away, but it does get much better most of the time. Sometimes, I feel really bad so I have to stay in bed until I feel well enough to get up again."

It's important not to lie to kids, because eventually kids believe the parent is a liar and can't ever be believed. Keep it simple, explain it as a medical condition (such as diabetes), and the child will probably take it matter-of-factly. The child may feel much better about sharing info with the parent, as well.

That's what I did with my children, and now that their adults, they openly discuss all kinds of things with me!