Lessons Learned About Communication

• Everyone deserves to know about what is going on
• Euphemisms can be confusing
• The worst way to hear something is to overhear it
• Link medical news with observable changes
• Welcome and explore your child’s questions
• Questions don’t always need immediate answers
• Seek out opportunities to talk
• It’s alright to share your emotional reactions
• Think about the timing of information
• Provide information, and accept some children’s unwillingness to talk
• Written communication can be helpful too
• Help other adults talk with your child about the illness