How would you explain this to a child?

Question

My mother is in the Hosp. (no shes not physically sick), and she won't be out in time for Christmas. How do I explain to my 7 yr. old that her grandmother won't be here? I dont want to lie to her, I don't want to tell her why she's in the hosp., and I don't want her to think her grandmother doesn't care about her to not come for Christmas, so how would you handle the situation?

Answer 1

I wouldn't lie to her ..... just tell her that Grandma is sick and will have to spend some time in the hospital for a while and unfortunately won't be well and out of the hospital before Christmas ...... you don't have to tell her specifically is wrong with her ..... you can just tell her she is sick and leave it at that ..... tell her that Grandma really wanted to be with her for Christmas but that Grandma is too sick and needs to get better before she can come and visit ...... this way, you aren't lying to her and she will know that Grandma really wants to be there but can't until she is healthy ..... my mother had problems with depression when I was 9 and my mom went and stayed at a hospital for 6 weeks and missed my ninth birthday ....... my dad told me the same thing I told you to say to your daughter when my mom missed my birthday ...... I hope it works as well for your daughter as it did for me ...... = )

Answer 2

I have a 6 year old son that was with me when we found my dad dead two and a half years ago. He saw him and he was almost 4 at the time. He was so young then that he thought the funeral home was heaven. That took a lot of explaining. LOL
If it were me, I would just tell her that her grandmother is sick and loves her and just be honest. You'd be surprised at what they can handle. I think that she would understand that more than just wondering where your mother is on Christmas.
I'm so sorry that your mom is sick. :(

Answer 3

Just tell her that her grandmother isn't very well but she's somewhere where she can get better and all the doctors and nurses are looking after her but that she won't be around this Christmas. Explain that she still loves your daughter lots and you can all go see her when she's feeling better. Kids are pretty tough...my mum was rushed to hospital the day before my birthday when I was your daughter's age. I watched the ambulance come to the house and take her away from my bedroom window but I knew she'd be OK. I hope your mum's better soon

Answer 4

How about something like this. Grandma is in the hospital being treated. It's not anything serious but she won't be finished until after Christmas. You might even say that she said that she was sorry that she was not going to be able to come and see her during Christmas, but she said that she'd be sure and see her after she finishes her treatment. Like someone else said, maybe you could get her to draw a picture or something for grandma to help her get well.

Answer 5

Tell her exactly what you wrote. "Your grandma is in the hospital and won't be able to be here for Christmas. She's going to be just fine, and we'll see her after Christmas".

If the hospital is within a comfortable driving distance, perhaps you could take your daughter to the hospital to see her grandmother, so your daughter can see that she's okay.

Answer 6

Guarded honesty is the best policy. I have a mentally ill relative, and I knew from the time I was very young that there was something different about him. When I was not much older than your daughter, my mother explained the very basics of his disease to me so that I would know why he would not always be there, mentally and/or physically.

You can go into the real details as she ages to points where she can better understand them. But, kids will eventually figure out if you lied to them--like my parents also told me that diabetes wasn't a big deal when I was young, even though my dad had it, and therefore I wouldn't have understood if he had gone into a coma.

Answer 7

You simply tell her that your mother isn't feeling well and had to go to a special place to feel better and get well. Tell her that just because she can't be home for Christmas, she is still thinking of your daughter and will hopefully be able to see her soon. Maybe have a special present that Nana bought for her before she went to this place, and that she loves her very much.

Answer 8

I would just tell her that well grandma is feeling a little ill and is in the hospital and won't be able to make it for Christmas this year but I'm sure she still loves you

Answer 9

I would just tell her Grandma is in the hospital to get better & she won't be back in time for Christmas. She wishes she could be with you, but she needs to look after herself & will see you as soon as she can.
You are correct in the fact that she does need to be told, but you don't have to get into specifics considering your daughter's age.
I am sorry to hear about your mother, sweetie. I hope everything goes well & I am sure your daughter will understand.
*BIG HUG*

Answer 10

Precious little one, your grandma is not feeling well and must rest in the hospital over the holidays. She is not real sick she just needs time to heal. She would love to be with you but cannot. We would love for her to be here but we need to be understanding that she cannot be here and get healthy at the same time.

You may also wish to make things to send to your mom. Good luck on this. Answer her questions simply. I was raised with an unwell uncle. When she is 10-12 is the time to explain how people can be unwell and not sick.