These conversations are difficult. But they've actually brought us closer together, and I feel the kids now know that I'll include them when hard things are happening in our family.

A strong sense of trust in you is very important for your child’s well-being. It helps them to feel secure. This trust grows stronger as you share information about the illness or death of someone important to them.

How long have you known?

When older children learn about an illness or death, one of the first questions they often ask is: How long have you known about this?  When parents share information early on, this can create a sense of family unity that eases the stress of this time.