Open Conversations: Supporting Your Child Through a Medical Diagnosis

When your child is diagnosed with a medical condition that may affect them for years to come, it is important to help them understand their diagnosis. This education empowers your child to make sense of increased doctor visits, the need for medications, and other changes in their daily life.

After discussing the condition with your child’s healthcare provider, you may wonder how to begin conversations with your child about what’s happening. These discussions can feel overwhelming, but they are essential.

Why Talking to Your Child Matters

Open and honest conversations about your child’s medical health help normalize their experience. When children understand what’s happening to their bodies, it becomes less scary and confusing. These discussions also:

• Model healthy communication: Your child learns how to talk about their condition with others.
• Reduce stigma: They understand that their diagnosis is not something to be ashamed of.
• Build trust: Your child knows they can come to you with questions or concerns.

How to Talk About Medical Conditions

While having these conversations, be open and honest. Use correct terminology for body parts and medical terms, while also explaining them in ways your child can understand. This helps build their vocabulary and confidence in talking about their health.

Although these conversations are important, remember—you are not alone. Your child’s medical team is a valuable resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance on how to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan in age-appropriate ways.

Tailoring the Conversation to Your Child’s Age

Children at different developmental stages process information differently. Here are some age-specific tips to guide your conversations:

Infancy through Early Childhood

• Discuss basic differences between individuals and normalize that everyone is unique (hair/eye color, skin tone, size, ability, etc.). This can be observed in the child’s environment or through books and media.
• Educate regarding how their body works in simple, but accurate terms. Children should learn about their body at a young age so they can make informed decisions about it in the future.
• If your child takes medications related to their diagnosis, explain how the medication will help them grow big and strong.

Older Childhood and Pre-teens

• Use medical appointments as opportunities to provide education to your child. Your child may not be asking questions about their diagnosis, but that doesn’t mean you can’t initiate the conversation.
• Provide further information and more details regarding how their body works and how this might be different to others.
• Introduce puberty and body changes; discuss if there are aspects of this that are unique to your child.
• Encourage your child to participate in their healthcare as much as possible and ask if they have questions following appointments.
• Continue to encourage positive body image and celebrate differences which make each person unique.
• Repeat information to ensure it is understood by your child. When topics are often talked about, they become more familiar and less scary.

Adolescence

• Discuss the name of their diagnosis and provide in-depth information regarding medical history. Since they will be taking charge of their medical needs soon, it is important they have a good understanding of what decisions may need to be made and what treatments they received in the past.
• Talk about their transition to adult care and their future medical care needs.
• Encourage your child to participate actively in their healthcare.

Supporting your child through a medical diagnosis is a journey. By fostering open communication, you’re helping them feel safe, informed, and empowered. Lean on your healthcare team and remember that these conversations, no matter how small, make a big difference.