First, take a breath — it's only been 3 days, and the fact that you're already thinking about how to support both boys says a lot about the kind of parent you are.
There's no single "right" moment, but most experts suggest telling children sooner rather than later, in age-appropriate ways. Children often sense when something Show Full Answer
First, take a breath — it's only been 3 days, and the fact that you're already thinking about how to support both boys says a lot about the kind of parent you are.
There's no single "right" moment, but most experts suggest telling children sooner rather than later, in age-appropriate ways. Children often sense when something is wrong, and not knowing can feel scarier than the truth.
Here are some general tips for talking to both boys:
- Use simple, honest language — avoid overly medical terms, especially with your 6-year-old
- Focus on what life looks like now, not worst-case scenarios
- Reassure both boys that they are loved and supported
- Let them ask questions and answer honestly, even if the answer is "we don't know yet"
- Normalize feelings — it's okay to feel sad, confused, or scared For your 9-year-old, a bit more detail is appropriate. He may have questions about what this means for his brother's future and even his own role in helping.
A mental health professional, like a child psychologist or counselor, can be incredibly helpful here — both for guiding these conversations and supporting the emotional well-being of the whole family. Don't hesitate to ask your care team for a referral.
Your care coordinator or social worker can also help connect you with resources to navigate these early, overwhelming days.
June 25
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