14 Answers

Children are incredably resilient, in most cases more so than we adults.
It must be heart breaking for the parents but the children must know mummy is sick so I feel it is right to prepare them that one day mummy is going to sleep and will not wake up but she will always be here in your minds.
I would tell them both together so they are supportive of one another.

If there has been a family death or even a pet I would use that by way of explanation.

"Remember how Aunty Peggy died and went away? Well Mummy has to do that. But we still remember Aunty Peggy in our minds and the fun we had with her, well it will be the same when Mummy goes for the long sleep" My thoughts go out to you for peace and happiness.

12 years ago. Rating: 13
Comment this answer Add new comment

Has she gone to Cancer Centers of America? I know they have a much higher success rate, maybe she could look into this? There are also special diets available online as well. They gave my mom three months to live three years ago, and she's still going strong.

My dad has been in the hospital and his lung cancer is back, I lost my step dad to colon cancer who was my father growing up and adopted us. I know how terribly difficult it was for me to handle the loss of my dad. My suggestion would be to start letting them know how serious the problem is without mentioning death yet.

If you can ease them into it a bit first, they may be more prepared when it comes time to explain the gravity of the situation. I hope you seek alternative treatments like the one I listed above, children take the loss of a parent horribly, but if you can soften the blow by gradually preparing them it may be a huge difference. Hope this helps.

12 years ago. Rating: 7
Comment this answer Add new comment

Wow as a mom to three young children that is such a sad reality for one to have to face,but I would prepare my children for my death,because to me sudden deaths are always extremely difficult to get through.Do they have a faith in any particular religion at all?

12 years ago. Rating: 7
Comment this answer Add new comment

That's a tough question; but she might tell the older ones---'' Mommy has been having such a hard time fighting this illness that Mommy is going to heaven soon to be with Jesus and will become an angel and will watch over you ''

12 years ago. Rating: 6
Comment this answer Add new comment

From a similar experience that happened to a friend of mine with children of those ages.......her children were very astute and I believe old enough to see the obvious process of the disease with their own eyes....their mom was gentle with them and explained to them about death in increments...often mentioning how their pets had died and sometimes people must also....so sad though...I think each parent has their own gut feeling on how to proceed....gently seems to be the key to me and also the kids had their own eyes and seemed somehow to know...like I mentioned they were and still are very astute...definitely though a tough one...perhaps google it and see what folks say on the topic and weigh the answers...(:

12 years ago. Rating: 5
Comment this answer Add new comment

They are old enough to understand. Children know what is going on in their homes and with their mom. There are gentle ways to tell them and suggest the family contact the local Hospice for some help with this question.
The children need to know they will be taken care of.
Mommy loves them but is very sick and will soon be going to her heavenly home and will watch over them.
The Dad and rest of the family need support also.

12 years ago. Rating: 5
Comment this answer Add new comment

The family is not traditional Christians.

12 years ago. Rating: 4
Comment this answer Add new comment

I really do feel that she needs to seek top professional advice, and the children should also recieve counseling from qualified persons. Does she have family to support her and help the children?

12 years ago. Rating: 4
Comment this answer Add new comment

That's for the best, Maz.

12 years ago. Rating: 2
Comment this answer Add new comment

If it were me I would be honest that I have cancer.. But wait for the news of my passing until it seems to be close.

12 years ago. Rating: 2
Comment this answer Add new comment

Be clear and honest about having an illness.  This makes it possible for the children to recieve support, resources, education, spiritual guidence etc.  There is alot of amazing programs available for the children who have a serious illness.  (specifically terminal cancer.)  There are organizatiopns that provide everything from meals, to homework assistance, social gatherings with a chance to bond with children who are experiencining the same things.  There are even local groups that will provide simple tasks  (the ones that often are neglected when a parent is ill), like taking kids out for haircuts, school supplies clothes and shoes.   Unfortunately, all of the wonderful and helpful even fun resources these caring organizations provide nothing can ever properly prepare a child for the death of thier mother.  As far letting them know she is dying, the answer to that is easy: I would never be so arrogant to assume a time limit, or place any sort of time frame on my own  or anyone elses life.  A few doctors are still around who like to predict; "two weeks to live, six months to live, etc.", however you will find more and more doctors, especially the ones who have seen the wonderous effects of medicine and the even more powerful effects of prayer who today prefer to practice science and medicine, but will agree that some things you just need to leave up to God.  Including miracles. 

12 years ago. Rating: 2
Comment this answer Add new comment

Tell the children that their mother has cancer.It's better than lying to them or waiting till she's in the hospital dying.The children would find out soon when she dies...

P.s. I feel sad,and I bet it would be really hard to say to them that you won't be there for the children to grow up.

12 years ago. Rating: 2
Comment this answer Add new comment

maybe it would be best just to tell them that mommys going on a vaction for a while, when they get old enough daddy can explain to them what really happened, why traumatise their shildhood.

12 years ago. Rating: 1
Comment this answer Add new comment