Parents

Talking with Your Children

We know your diagnosis is difficult for you, but what about your children? Once you’ve accepted that you have Parkinson’s, it’s imperative that you talk with your children about the disease. Here are some tips that may help:

• Describe your diagnosis and symptoms in simple terms so that they can understand what to expect.
• Be as open and honest as possible. Children do not like to be deceived – especially concerning their parents’ health.
• Keep kids “in the know” so they’ll feel like an important part of the family.
• Reassure your child often that even though you have this disease, you will be around for a long time.
• If you have more than one child, talk to them individually for as long as they need to ensure they each get the proper amount of attention.
• Tell them that people might stare at you because of your appearance, but it is OK.
• Take them to your doctor’s appointments so that they may ask questions and get answers from a professional. An outside source will help them gain reassurance.
• Inform them about how to tell their friends, and allow their friends to ask you questions so they will feel more comfortable around you.
• Stress to your child that it is normal and perfectly OK for them to have emotions and feelings about the situation. Let them know that they can talk to you anytime they feel the need.
• Look at Internet resources with your child, along with newspaper and magazine articles about Parkinson’s disease.
• As much as possible, maintain an upbeat attitude toward living with the disease so that your child knows you’re still OK. If you are positive, then they will be, too.
• Be ready to answer any questions your child may have, and adk them frequently if they have questions for you. Important ones they may ask are listed in the Kids FAQs section.