do you try explaining serious illness to a nearly 3yo?

[madmumNika]

My DS, who'll turn 3 this month, has begun to notice that his baby sister (9 months) is treated differently to other babies- because she has cystic fibrosis and needs lots of meds, physio and nebulisers. Is DS too young still for me to try to explain that indeed his sister is different and why she is? He is a sensitive wee soul and I don't want to introduce any worries but also don't want to ignore his observations about his sisters care....

Any advice appreciated xx

I have no experience of this but my feeling is that young children have an amazing ability to take for granted things that seem very difficult and extraorinary to us. I would start intruducing the ideas to him in a very matter of fact way - this is just the way life is for his little sister because she is different to other babies. I think that his worries will come about more from seeing that you are worried than because of exactly what you say iyswim. It might be the case that the earlier you introduce the ideas the more "matter of fact" they will be.

Hope someone with more knowledge comes along soon.

Good luck, hope you lo stays well.

I would definitely talked about it. As love2sleep said, children are amazing in taking things as they are and not analysing them too much. I would probably start by explaining that everyone is different. His baby sister was born special and sometimes she doesn't feel well therefore she needs lots of love and attention. You don't have to go into details and don't say it in a worrying voice but as a matter of fact. Children are able to pick up the tone of your voice more than the words. And I guess try to involve him in her care. He is her big brother, isn't he?
Btw it must be hard on you. Good luck and big hug. x