Hints for talking to kids?

[ChiKidney]

My husband is about to start dialysis (P.D.) while we’re getting him on the transplant list. We have a 4 year old and need to explain it to him in an age-appropriate way.

Does anyone have any resources or hints? I’m not seeing a lot online.

Thanks!

[Kbristow]

I don't really see anything for preschool-aged kids but National Kidney Foundation has some "Your Kidneys and Youth" resources (videos, coloring pages, etc.) They are geared more for grades 5-8 but you can extract parts that are appropriate for a four-year-old. The video lessons talk about kidneys though nothing about PD specifically. But you can tie it to how PD does something similar... I did PD too and I could see some of that working. You can also call the NKF patient helpline to see if they have resources they can send you. Their contact info is at kidney.org/nkfcares.

Have you post your question on the "Parents of Children with Kidney Disease" community page? Parents there may know resources. They are at healthunlocked.com/nkf-parents. Best wishes on husband's journey. PD worked well for me. I did it for a year before my transplant.

[Herkidney]

Since your child is so young, I would ask his pediatrician for pointers/advice on how to best talk to your child in an age appropriate manner about his dad’s health concerns.

My youngest was about 14 when I talked to my kids about my need for a transplant, despite my many reassurances they were worried.

[ericgoodman]

I would encourage being matter-of-fact. “A part of daddy’s body inside doesn’t work right now and putting this liquid in his body helps keep him healthy.” Kids are incredibly adaptable.