My husband and I are the grandparents and legal guardians of a 4 year old with CF. He and his sister (non-CF) have lived with us for almost 3 years. Whenever he has asked why he takes enzymes, or does CPT, etc, I have always given him an accurate "science" answer (his belly needs extra enzymes to digest his food, etc). And when he asks why other children don't need or do these things, I usually explain that it's because we're all different and these are the things his body needs. We've talked about friends who have peanut allergies, glasses, asthma, wheelchairs, etc - always in terms of how different we all are - some have these things, some do not. He likes to note that he doesn't have any allergies! I have never sat down with him and said "you have CF" and explained it in more detailed terms. And although we discuss it at the doctor's office and other places with other people, he's never asked about "CF". I do not feel I have avoided it with him - but maybe! How and when do I explain what?
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What do I tell a 4 year old about CF?
- Thread starter Gammaw
- Start date
My husband and I are the grandparents and legal guardians of a 4 year old with CF. He and his sister (non-CF) have lived with us for almost 3 years. Whenever he has asked why he takes enzymes, or does CPT, etc, I have always given him an accurate "science" answer (his belly needs extra enzymes to digest his food, etc). And when he asks why other children don't need or do these things, I usually explain that it's because we're all different and these are the things his body needs. We've talked about friends who have peanut allergies, glasses, asthma, wheelchairs, etc - always in terms of how different we all are - some have these things, some do not. He likes to note that he doesn't have any allergies! I have never sat down with him and said "you have CF" and explained it in more detailed terms. And although we discuss it at the doctor's office and other places with other people, he's never asked about "CF". I do not feel I have avoided it with him - but maybe! How and when do I explain what?
My husband and I are the grandparents and legal guardians of a 4 year old with CF. He and his sister (non-CF) have lived with us for almost 3 years. Whenever he has asked why he takes enzymes, or does CPT, etc, I have always given him an accurate "science" answer (his belly needs extra enzymes to digest his food, etc). And when he asks why other children don't need or do these things, I usually explain that it's because we're all different and these are the things his body needs. We've talked about friends who have peanut allergies, glasses, asthma, wheelchairs, etc - always in terms of how different we all are - some have these things, some do not. He likes to note that he doesn't have any allergies! I have never sat down with him and said "you have CF" and explained it in more detailed terms. And although we discuss it at the doctor's office and other places with other people, he's never asked about "CF". I do not feel I have avoided it with him - but maybe! How and when do I explain what?
My husband and I are the grandparents and legal guardians of a 4 year old with CF. He and his sister (non-CF) have lived with us for almost 3 years. Whenever he has asked why he takes enzymes, or does CPT, etc, I have always given him an accurate "science" answer (his belly needs extra enzymes to digest his food, etc). And when he asks why other children don't need or do these things, I usually explain that it's because we're all different and these are the things his body needs. We've talked about friends who have peanut allergies, glasses, asthma, wheelchairs, etc - always in terms of how different we all are - some have these things, some do not. He likes to note that he doesn't have any allergies! I have never sat down with him and said "you have CF" and explained it in more detailed terms. And although we discuss it at the doctor's office and other places with other people, he's never asked about "CF". I do not feel I have avoided it with him - but maybe! How and when do I explain what?
My husband and I are the grandparents and legal guardians of a 4 year old with CF. He and his sister (non-CF) have lived with us for almost 3 years. Whenever he has asked why he takes enzymes, or does CPT, etc, I have always given him an accurate "science" answer (his belly needs extra enzymes to digest his food, etc). And when he asks why other children don't need or do these things, I usually explain that it's because we're all different and these are the things his body needs. We've talked about friends who have peanut allergies, glasses, asthma, wheelchairs, etc - always in terms of how different we all are - some have these things, some do not. He likes to note that he doesn't have any allergies! I have never sat down with him and said "you have CF" and explained it in more detailed terms. And although we discuss it at the doctor's office and other places with other people, he's never asked about "CF". I do not feel I have avoided it with him - but maybe! How and when do I explain what?
I think you're doing a great job so far. It is always best to be honest with kids, but in an age-appropriate way. At this age, kids do start to question life. They are starting to learn things for themselves, and they will ask those tough questions. I am excited to read the experts' advice on this one.
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I think you're doing a great job so far. It is always best to be honest with kids, but in an age-appropriate way. At this age, kids do start to question life. They are starting to learn things for themselves, and they will ask those tough questions. I am excited to read the experts' advice on this one.
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I think you're doing a great job so far. It is always best to be honest with kids, but in an age-appropriate way. At this age, kids do start to question life. They are starting to learn things for themselves, and they will ask those tough questions. I am excited to read the experts' advice on this one.
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I think you're doing a great job so far. It is always best to be honest with kids, but in an age-appropriate way. At this age, kids do start to question life. They are starting to learn things for themselves, and they will ask those tough questions. I am excited to read the experts' advice on this one.
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
Stacey
I think you're doing a great job so far. It is always best to be honest with kids, but in an age-appropriate way. At this age, kids do start to question life. They are starting to learn things for themselves, and they will ask those tough questions. I am excited to read the experts' advice on this one.
<br />
<br />I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
<br />
<br />Stacey
<br />
<br />I also want to say that I was raised by my grandparents. I know that it is a huge undertaking to "do it all again", and I appreciated mine so much for their sacrifice. I know your kids will as well. Good luck.
<br />
<br />Stacey
I think you are doing a great job too. I love the science approach- I have a little scientist here myself that wants to hear things in those terms. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do think that it would be completely appropriate to give his condition a name at this point... just like you are specific about the conditions affecting others. He would probably accept it the best hearing it from you rather than inadvertently elsewhere.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I think you are doing a great job too. I love the science approach- I have a little scientist here myself that wants to hear things in those terms. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do think that it would be completely appropriate to give his condition a name at this point... just like you are specific about the conditions affecting others. He would probably accept it the best hearing it from you rather than inadvertently elsewhere.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I think you are doing a great job too. I love the science approach- I have a little scientist here myself that wants to hear things in those terms. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do think that it would be completely appropriate to give his condition a name at this point... just like you are specific about the conditions affecting others. He would probably accept it the best hearing it from you rather than inadvertently elsewhere.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I think you are doing a great job too. I love the science approach- I have a little scientist here myself that wants to hear things in those terms. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do think that it would be completely appropriate to give his condition a name at this point... just like you are specific about the conditions affecting others. He would probably accept it the best hearing it from you rather than inadvertently elsewhere.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
I think you are doing a great job too. I love the science approach- I have a little scientist here myself that wants to hear things in those terms. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do think that it would be completely appropriate to give his condition a name at this point... just like you are specific about the conditions affecting others. He would probably accept it the best hearing it from you rather than inadvertently elsewhere.
<br />
<br />I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
<br />
<br />I am very interested in hearing what the experts have to say too! Like Stacey I am a big proponent of telling kids the truth, but sometimes it is very hard to discern what/when/how much they are ready to handle at any given time.
Hi Gammaw,
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
Hi Gammaw,
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
Hi Gammaw,
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
Hi Gammaw,
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
Kathleen
Hi Gammaw,
<br />
<br />I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
<br />
<br />I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
<br />
<br />Kathleen
<br />
<br />I have a 4 yr old girl with CF. She has asked me before why she has to do therapy or take enzymes while her brother ( non cf) doesn't have to. We have answered that she has cystic fibrosis and she was born with it like she was born with her beautiful brown eyes. That it is they way her body was made. She has asked us what CF is and we said her body just makes more mucus than it needs,(like the clear stuff that comes out her nose)and it plugs up inside parts of her body. So the therapy helps to move the mucus and the enzymes are helping the food get used by her body. She seems to be o.k. with that answer. We have said "daddy takes meds for high blood pressure,-that's the way his body is made, Grandma takes meds and does therapy for her leg- that's the way her body is made... and so on." Much like you are doing.It is so difficult to explain sometimes. That's how we have handled the questions so far.
<br />
<br />I too commend you on your care, support and love for your grandkids.
<br />
<br />Kathleen