One of the most difficult challenges our medical clients face is breaking the news of total hair loss to a child. There are certainly many approaches, but perhaps one thing many of us as parents fail to consider is the age of our children and how much information is necessary or even healthy for our young children.
The younger the child the less aware they will be of hair loss and its social ramifications. Having had 6 children and gone through ups and downs myself medically, I have noticed if I am able to make light of a situation, regardless of the severity, the stress on my little ones is minimal. In a generation of extreme openness, this may be an ‘old school’ opinion, but let’s consider our children and their good. Every mother makes her own decision in raising her kids and it is not anyone’s place to judge her particularly when it comes to events that there is simply no way to prepare for. Our children are kids. They are overburdened with way too much information that is not suitable for their age. We tend to look at them as emotional equals and forget that they really aren’t. They have not had the time to build up their emotional defences that comes only with years and experience. You know your children, but consider that the younger they are perhaps the less information is better.
I would love to hear about your personal experiences and feedback. Let’s keep in mind that it is very personal and one should never judge another person until they have stood in their place, which as we know is practically impossible.