How to tell your 4 yr old?

[robga999 129]

why oh why would you tell a 4yr old???your going to the dr that's it end of dicussion

[Croaker 26]

My boys are 6 and 8.

I told them I was going to have an operation to make my life better, that it would limit how much I could eat so I wouldn't be as big any more. That would mean I would be healthier and around for a lot longer. We also discussed my stay in the hospital and that my stomach would be sore for awhile after coming home, so to be careful.

They've been great.

[RedSalamander 148]

Hi fuzzywhitebunny! I have an 8yo son and a 4yo daughter. I gave them as little information as possible, and they haven't really asked many questions. I told them that I had to have an operation, and that I would be in the hospital for 2 nights and daddy would be taking care of them. Since it's flu season, I chose to not have them visit me in the hospital (although my daughter ended up being with my husband when he picked me up). We gave them lots of reminders about being "gentle with mama", and I showed them both my incisions when I got home. I also told them matter-of-factly that I couldn't eat regular food yet (and during the pre-op diet, that I had to have just shakes to "get ready for my operation"). I still say that now, that the doctor says I can't have certain foods, and that I can't eat much.

Honestly, kids take so much at face value! Even my very bright 8yo who wants to be a doctor when he grows up isn't too interested in the nitty-gritty. (Although, it helps that he had to have an appendectomy a couple years back--I can say "Like when YOU had your operation!")

My husband read them "Curious George Goes to the Hospital" a few times while I was gone, and he had them make get-well cards for him to bring me in the hospital. This helped them feel like they were doing something valuable, I totally recommend it.

You will be great. Best of luck!

[Riz2006 242]

I have a 2, 5, 7 year old. I haven't told them anything yet really. I'm just going to tell them that the dr is going to make me healthier and that I have to stay in a hospital for 2 nights.