She knew she was going to die. She didn't know when to tell her son

Key Points:

• Frida Hansson, diagnosed with ALS in December 2023, delayed telling her teenage son about her condition for years, fearing it was too heavy a conversation, but eventually opened up when he moved back in and noticed her health decline.
• Experts emphasize the importance of transparency with children about serious illnesses, noting that keeping them informed helps maintain trust and allows them to process emotions better, with tailored communication based on the child's age.
• Licensed clinical social worker Linda Mathew advises parents to provide clear, age-appropriate information, encourage questions, and create a support system for children, highlighting that children are often more resilient than adults expect.
• Other ALS parents share varied approaches to discussing the disease with their children, balancing honesty with age-appropriate messaging, and often rely on peer support groups to navigate the emotional challenges.
• Hansson reflects that finally telling her son the truth lifted a burden, allowing more open communication and mutual coping, underscoring the benefits of involving children early in the dialogue about serious health issues.