My grandpa was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer(the worst there is). He has been going through chemo and it has taken a toll on his body. Doctors predict he has about six months at the most. How do I explain to my five year old sister that he is going to die? I'm afraid if I say or don't say the wrong thing, we might run into some uncomfortable questions later.
2007-09-01 08:28:12 · 10 answers · asked by yeahh! 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
really, this is a job for you folks to take care of but, when my sis was diagnosed as terminal, our son was 7 so i think i can relate. i told him the truth in language he could understand. i said she has cancer. he new the word b/c my bil had died from colon cancer only a year before. we told him that sometimes the docs can fix it and sometimes they can't. and that this time they couldn't. he didn't ask to many q's about it but he did visit until she said no more and he drew her pictures. you can't explain the disease itself cause, lets face it, most of us don't get it either. all you can do is prepare her a bit and hope for the best.
i'm sorry to hear of your grandpa. god bless.
2007-09-01 11:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I would draw a picture. I once saw a book that showed a good healthy cell and then there was a cell with little bug attacking the cell. The book was showing kids that these bugs have gotten into this cell and made it sick. And that's what has happened to your grandfather. Tell her that the medicine that they are giving him is making him sick but it is also making the bad bugs sick too, so they will go away. Let her know that they are doing everything they can. But, also let her know that sometimes and you don't understand why it doesn't work. Let her know that it's okay to love on him and kiss him and touch him. It won't hurt him. You might also want to tell her sometimes God just calls us home and when he does we have to go. That God needs him more than she does, and she will see him again.
2007-09-01 18:10:41 · answer #2 · answered by Diane T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son was 4 1/2 when my father died and he knew he was sick. As long as they understand to some degree it is okay. They don't need to understand the complete details and they will understand later. My son is now 8 and he understands what he knows for his age. At first it was a liittle hard. The first christmas, he asked where is Grampa, but we just told him he's gone. He did not really understand everything about the funeral. Just don't force it upon her to where it makes her to upset. She should go on with her life without it destroying her and being able to function. Kids understand more then you think. Don't leave her out of things either, just make things simple to understand.
2007-09-04 10:02:17 · answer #3 · answered by blazergirlblazergirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found reference to two books that explain cancer to children in simple terms. It would be a good idea to check these out and see if you might could borrow them from your public library or if they have them at your local bookstore. They are also available for order on the websites I have mentioned here.
In Mommy's Garden - by Neyal J. Ammary (Canyon Books)
What Is Cancer Anyway? - by Karen L. Carney
(this one can be found at amazon.com)
2007-09-01 16:43:09 · answer #4 · answered by TPhi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a deep breath mommy - the tantrums are completely accepted. considering the fact that your son in basic terms says some phrases, he would not sense which you would be able to comprehend him except he throws fits. this could advance as his language improves, after which you get to the ever-spectacular whiny section :-) For now, attempt to stay as calm and purpose as achievable. even nevertheless he won't be able to say lots, he can easily comprehend you. tell him which you recognize that he needs... regardless of... after which tell him that he could have it whilst he quits throwing a in good shape. attempt to apply constructive phrases particularly than destructive ones, i.e., sure, you will have some candy once you eat your dinner, particularly than no, you won't be able to have any candy ideal now. As for the mountaineering on you - he probable merely needs to play, and would not comprehend how sturdy he's. clarify to him that it hurts mommy and show him another approaches that he can play. considering the fact that i'm 5 months pregnant, I easily could shop my 2 a million/2 twelve months old from mountaineering throughout me! It additionally seems such as you particularly choose a wreck. Is there somebody who would desire to visual reveal unit him for an afternoon for you so as which you would be able to get out and luxuriate in some grown-up time to your self? in case your funds enable, possibly evaluate enrolling him in pre-college for a pair of days in step with week. The interplay with different teenagers could be stable for him, and additionally being around different responsible adults. As for the napping, easily call your pediatrician on that one. that would not sound known in any respect. stable luck!
2016-11-13 22:34:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell her that there is a bad thing called cancer that is taking over your grandpas lungs and he cant breath hardly on his own,that its not going to get better, only worse. that soon he is not going to breath at all and he will no longer be on this earth for anybody to see. tell her its not something that is going to happen to her now but to someone unhealthy.
2007-09-02 12:50:56 · answer #6 · answered by marilynfsmgm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does she believe in Jesus, Heaven? i think the best way to tell her would be that grandpa has lived a long time and he is tired. i would say something before he passes, that would be bad for her not to know prior to it happening. five year olds are smarter than we give them credit for. just tell her he will go to heaven with Jesus, and life up there is grand, no worries! he will be up there with.... (any family members who have passed or any pets!) and that she will be with him again one day. now this is how i believe, i don't know what your beliefs are so you will have to judge that one.
2007-09-04 20:09:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a 5 year old cant really comprehend cancer. probably just tell her he is sick or something and may go to heaven soon or whatever depending on your religion. after children get older they learn about life and death through you and the world.
2007-09-01 08:36:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no real easy way of telling her that her grandfather will die shortly. You should tell her that he is going someplace safer where there are going to be people who are going to take better care of him.
2007-09-01 18:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by Roxas of Organization 13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her your grandfather is really ill.
Grandfather, might die.
Please pray for him.
I love him and so do you.
2007-09-01 08:36:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋