Children

My children are 9 and 10. Do I tell them there mother is sick? Would they even understand what is going on with me? But if I chose not to tell them, they would notice me being sick and unstable and wonder what is wrong with me if the medications made me that way.But on the other hand, I dont want them worrying about there Mom. I want them to enjoy being children. Any advice?

[cosmo23]

I had a similar question. see "telling teenage children you have Hep C.." I posted it today. It gets a little off topic in some responses, but overall, the people at this forum have given me invaluable advice, some I've already followed. Our 13 year old son thought Hep C was a fatal STD. I sat down with him and told him that only 3 percent of people get it thru sex. I know your kids are a little young for that, but maybe you can just say the truth: More than 1/3 of people have no idea how they got the disease. You can get it from a nail salon (something I learned today) or illegal drug use. Honesty, education and the direct approach appear optimal over anything else. Your kids are young but old enough to understand. You wouldn't hide cancer from them, would you? Hep C is a serious illness and you deserve all the love and support they will give you. lemme know how it goes,

[Peridot]

Thank you for the advice. I do want there love and support but I also dont want them feeling sorry for me. I will have to give this some more thought.

[cosmo23]

Kids are resilient and very strong. I'll bet you'll be amazed at how supportive and strong they become. They will probably seek out more information themselves because they are naturally curious. Please don't hide it from them or try to cover it up with some other less serious illness. You will only lose their trust as they will eventually find out. Then again, if you are not systematic, or being treated, then there may be no reason to bring it up right now. good luck