Since my surgery is right around the corner, I wanted the kids to have a simple explanation as to why I am going to the hospital. So, I cut out hearts and cut holes in them. I made patches out of purple paper and gave them glue sticks. I told them that I have holes in my heart and that the doctors are going to fix them at the hospital. I told them that they could pretend to be doctors and help to fix the holes in my heart. They all enjoyed the idea of being my doctors and helping to patch up the holes. They worked with concentration and were happy with their mended hearts. I believe it is better to give them a simple explanation rather than a lie so they understand that people have health problems and that doctors help people with health concerns. I hope it also gives them some assurance.
They were happy with their heart craft but also took it seriously. Ryder was concerned in this photo that one of his patches became loose and he wanted to make sure that his Mama’s heart was fixed.. So, he moved the patch to make sure it was properly covering the hole. Have you shared medical concerns with your children? How did you go about it? I’d love to hear from you. your comments are always welcome.
What a beautiful and creative way to explain something that could be so misunderstood and scary for them! Prayer for you! (Visiting from The Publishing Bloggers)
Great idea to help explain your upcoming surgery. Hope you are doing well and I wanted to share a post I wrote when my husband had surgery about how we explained it and coped during recovery with my then toddler. http://www.stirthewonder.com/when-a-parent-has-surgery/
I love that you turned a difficult procedure into a craft. What a wonderful coping mechanism you are giving your children!
Thank you Kerith Stull.
It was nice that they seemed to understand it at their level. It seemed to empower them to want to help people in the future (from their comments about wanting to become doctors).
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Samantha (Stir the Wonder).
I love your post about helping children to understand when a parent has surgery. Those are great ideas!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Maryanne (Mama Smiles).
I hope it helps them develop coping skills.
: 0 ) Theresa