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How to tell my children that our Aunt has dementia? We just found out.
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Dec 7, 2023 | Replies (5)Comment receiving replies
Teri, your words and that article are strengthening and helpful. I'm sorry you went through the experience twice. What do you say when the children ask, "Is it contagious? Will it happen to you, Mom?" How do you teach the children what questions to ask and not to ask their aunt? Should the aunt know that the children know? Thank you.
Replies to "Teri, your words and that article are strengthening and helpful. I'm sorry you went through the..."
Hi @lindakbe, @IndianaScott provided a great answer below, which I really can't add anything to. Take care, Teri
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Hi, @yogalady47 In our case, as with the ages of your children, our messaging was different based on that. One-size explanation definitely did not fit all in our family. Our youngest were just told she was sick and it affected how she could think.
Dementia is not contagious, so that one's easy. Personally, but just me, I'd not worry them unnecessarily with any prognostications on what might happen to others. None of us know after all what our futures hold.
Again, just personally, but I'd have a talk with their aunt asking her if she has any particular way she'd like this explained. My wife had some very meaningful discussions with youngsters about her disease in its early stages when she still could.
As far as questions, I always went with the mantra "Kids will be kids". My wife never got upset with any questions asked by the youngsters. She saw those times as learning opportunities and we saw a great deal of empathy develop in them as a result.
Again...just our experiences.
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