When (and how) you tell to your kids they have CF?

[static]

I don't really remember the first time I was ever told I had CF, but I do remember the talks I had with my parents after I finally complied with what they wanted me to do about it (treatments, swimming ((I HATED swimming as a young kid)), exc.).

I guess my point is she will eventually come to you about it. You can talk until your blue in the face but unless she is interested (like the standard reasons why I have to do this and so-so doesn't) it probably won't go through.

 

[static]

I don't really remember the first time I was ever told I had CF, but I do remember the talks I had with my parents after I finally complied with what they wanted me to do about it (treatments, swimming ((I HATED swimming as a young kid)), exc.).

I guess my point is she will eventually come to you about it. You can talk until your blue in the face but unless she is interested (like the standard reasons why I have to do this and so-so doesn't) it probably won't go through.

 

[static]

I don't really remember the first time I was ever told I had CF, but I do remember the talks I had with my parents after I finally complied with what they wanted me to do about it (treatments, swimming ((I HATED swimming as a young kid)), exc.).
<br />
<br />I guess my point is she will eventually come to you about it. You can talk until your blue in the face but unless she is interested (like the standard reasons why I have to do this and so-so doesn't) it probably won't go through.

 

[Rebjane]

About the vacation thing; our family goes on vacations as well. It's always alot of work with all the supplies, but my husband loves to travel and feels we are creating family memories and experiences by going to different places. If my daughter did not have CF, I am sure we'ld go on vacations.

We've gone to Disney a few times. Ski trips.

This summer we are planning a 2 week family RV vacation going to California, Yosemite national park...Should be interesting!

 

[Rebjane]

About the vacation thing; our family goes on vacations as well. It's always alot of work with all the supplies, but my husband loves to travel and feels we are creating family memories and experiences by going to different places. If my daughter did not have CF, I am sure we'ld go on vacations.

We've gone to Disney a few times. Ski trips.

This summer we are planning a 2 week family RV vacation going to California, Yosemite national park...Should be interesting!

 

[Rebjane]

About the vacation thing; our family goes on vacations as well. It's always alot of work with all the supplies, but my husband loves to travel and feels we are creating family memories and experiences by going to different places. If my daughter did not have CF, I am sure we'ld go on vacations.
<br />
<br />We've gone to Disney a few times. Ski trips.
<br />
<br />This summer we are planning a 2 week family RV vacation going to California, Yosemite national park...Should be interesting!
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<br />
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[mamaScarlett]

I ditto what Harriet and others said. For a five year old a simple but straightforward explanation is all thats needed-
"You have something called cystic fibrosis. So your body makes more sticky mucus than some others people's bodies. Sometimes mucus can make you sick, so thats why you do the vest, take your medicine and take enzymes-to keep the mucus out of you and keep you healthy."
NO I do not recommend talking about this on a daily basis, or reminding him constantly-that leads to 'this-is-a-big-deal' which only bring stress to a kid. I think the goal is to make meds, vest and enzymes another daily chore that must be done-like brushing your teeth. You nag your kids to brush their teeth every day, and make sure they do it. Once in a while if they're not listening, you'll look them in the eyes and say if you don't brush your teeth you'll get cavities, need to go to the dentist..blah blah. But you don't remind them and lecture them daily about the consequence of not doing it, right? And the eventual goal is to get them to do all these tasks by themselves, independently.
Honestly, I think the goal with a small child, like a 5 year old should simply be establishing why we have to do these meds with a basic explanation, and sticking to the routine.

 

[mamaScarlett]

I ditto what Harriet and others said. For a five year old a simple but straightforward explanation is all thats needed-
"You have something called cystic fibrosis. So your body makes more sticky mucus than some others people's bodies. Sometimes mucus can make you sick, so thats why you do the vest, take your medicine and take enzymes-to keep the mucus out of you and keep you healthy."
NO I do not recommend talking about this on a daily basis, or reminding him constantly-that leads to 'this-is-a-big-deal' which only bring stress to a kid. I think the goal is to make meds, vest and enzymes another daily chore that must be done-like brushing your teeth. You nag your kids to brush their teeth every day, and make sure they do it. Once in a while if they're not listening, you'll look them in the eyes and say if you don't brush your teeth you'll get cavities, need to go to the dentist..blah blah. But you don't remind them and lecture them daily about the consequence of not doing it, right? And the eventual goal is to get them to do all these tasks by themselves, independently.
Honestly, I think the goal with a small child, like a 5 year old should simply be establishing why we have to do these meds with a basic explanation, and sticking to the routine.

 

[mamaScarlett]

I ditto what Harriet and others said. For a five year old a simple but straightforward explanation is all thats needed-
<br />"You have something called cystic fibrosis. So your body makes more sticky mucus than some others people's bodies. Sometimes mucus can make you sick, so thats why you do the vest, take your medicine and take enzymes-to keep the mucus out of you and keep you healthy."
<br />NO I do not recommend talking about this on a daily basis, or reminding him constantly-that leads to 'this-is-a-big-deal' which only bring stress to a kid. I think the goal is to make meds, vest and enzymes another daily chore that must be done-like brushing your teeth. You nag your kids to brush their teeth every day, and make sure they do it. Once in a while if they're not listening, you'll look them in the eyes and say if you don't brush your teeth you'll get cavities, need to go to the dentist..blah blah. But you don't remind them and lecture them daily about the consequence of not doing it, right? And the eventual goal is to get them to do all these tasks by themselves, independently.
<br />Honestly, I think the goal with a small child, like a 5 year old should simply be establishing why we have to do these meds with a basic explanation, and sticking to the routine.
<br />