It is important to try to find out what the child already knows about the situation, taking care to correct any misinformation, and misunderstandings.

1. Tell the child about the illness as soon as possible, rather than having them hear about it from someone else, or through overheard conversations. Children know when others are anxious, or when something has changed in the family. If they are not told what is going on, they tend to make something up in order to make sense of the changes they feel. If children are told about the illness early, at least they have the opportunity to ask questions and make better sense of the emotional responses they see in other family members.
2. Adults often wonder how much detail to provide children about the seriousness of the illness. You should likely take your cues from the child and give only as much information as they seem to be able to take in. Like adults, children need time to let things sink in. If they want additional explanations, they will usually ask questions about things they are wondering about. You might start off by telling the child the name of the specific disease, and the part(s) of the body affected, taking care to use language that they can understand. You may not need to tell them much more than this. Encourage children to come back to you for clarification if they have questions or hear information from other people that is different from what you have told them.
3. Tell the child what the plan of care will be for the sick person or for them, so they know what to expect. This includes information about whether care will be provided in the home or the hospital, and some of the side effects that might occur as a result the medications, other treatments or procedures the person will receive. For example, it would be important to let children know that the person with the illness might be more tired than usual, or look different.
4. Children may be very concerned about who will look after them, and how their usual routines might be affected. Make sure that the child knows who will be looking after them, where they will be cared for, and what changes might occur in their day-to-day routines.
5. It is critically important that children feel included in what is going on in the family, especially in the context and uncertainty of a life-threatening illness. Reassure the child that you will give them regular updates as to what is happening and how the ill person is doing. Encourage them to talk to you or another trusted adult about how they are feeling. Children should also be encouraged to ask questions at any time.