@Telling my teens about diagnosis on Shift.ms

Telling my teens about diagnosis

Hi, I was diagnosed officially in June but investigations began last summer when I was off sick from work for 6 weeks. My teenage kids know about some of my symptoms but I have always downplayed how much they effect me to protect them from worrying. I haven’t told family or friends about my diagnosis yet but plan on doing it soon after telling my kids. If anyone’s happy to share how their kids/teenagers took the news I’d really like to hear stories especially if they are positive ones

Hi, K89. I was loathe to tell my two sons when I was initially diagnosed as they were both in higher/further education and I didn't want to burden them. My wife insisted that I tell them because simply put, it was a fact. After thinking about that I agreed. They need to know, they need to know who you are, what is affecting you so that they may understand how you affect them in your role as a parent. When I told my eldest son (19 at the time) he simply said that he knew something was up with me and was glad I told him what it was. He was very mature, understanding and kind about it. My second son (16 at the time) was quite immature (in my perception) at the time and I wasn't sure if he would grasp the implications of what my Dx meant. The moment I told him he wrapped his arms around me and said....nothing. That silence was special because I knew then that he had empathy, more so than I believed he was capable of at that time. If my experience is anything to by, I think telling them will be as much a relief for them as it is for you and you can all move on and face the reality of what this flippin' disease brings. Tc