Posted by BobG (155.13.48.8) on January 06, 2000 at 14:28:12:
In Reply to: Moms and dads with clusters and small children ! posted by Elaine on January 06, 2000 at 13:04:29:
When my kids were very young, about 3 years old, I started to explain to them about the headaches I would get, in words that they could understand. I, and my very supportive wife, explained to them that the headaches were in no way caused by something they did. Kids sometimes feel guilty if a parent is sick and they have to be reasurred that it is not their fault. The kids were given a "job" while I was having my headache. Their "job" was to please be as quiet as possible, please not come in the bedroom and talk to me or turn on the light. They were taught that the headache would go away and I'd be ok afterward and there would be thank you's and hugs for a "job" well done. If all is explained to the kids in an honest and open way, they will understand and do their best to do their "job". Little kids are a whole lot smarter than they are sometimes given credit for and they know when you're BS'n or not telling them everything.
Note to Elaine...Thanks, the world needs more angels like you.