talking to young children

hford · April 18, 2007

I have a tentitive month for my surgery and need to talk to my kids - my daughter is 6 1/2 and my son is almost 4 - we eat healthy foods already - but my portion sizes will change. Any advise will be appreciated from those with small children have done this.

Thank you,

Helena

OH Juli · April 18, 2007

My daughter is five. We talked about how I'm eating better nutrition now. I did NOT tell her I had surgery because I was fat. I just told her my tummy wasn't working right and the surgery was to fix it. I don't want her to focus on body image or size issues. You know? You'll also not be able to pick them up...so sharing you're having surgery is important.

It wasn't that big a deal aside from her telling her entire preschool class I had surgery and wanting to show them my scar by pulling on my top. Also she was concerned when I transitioned from mushies to solids, like you can't eat that! I was surprised how little it actually impacted on her world.

Really just know there are no secrets, they will tell someone. :omg:

LapBandit · April 18, 2007

Well, I don't have children so I can't offer any "parental" advice; however, obviously it's up to you if you even explain that you're having surgery. As far as explaining what you're eating...are you sure they'll even notice that it's different? Now the pre-op and post-op diets will be drastically different but it's for a short time but later on when you're back to regular food...well, I'm not sure it'll look "odd" to them. You'll still be eating regular food just in normal to small portions.

So, if you decide to talk to them about it, which I think is very sweet. I'd suggest telling them that your health is important to you and you are going to start making sure you are eating good, healthy food so that you can be the best mommy possible!