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Talking to Kids About Serious Illness (Without Flooding Them)
Episode summary
Bedtime is when kids' brains time-travel—especially after your family has lived through serious illness or loss. In this ALS Awareness Month mini episode (1 of 3), Dr. Amy shares her personal "why" and gives you kid-sized truth (not the whole ocean), plus exact scripts for the "Are you going to die?" questions that tend to show up when the lights go out.
In this episode you'll learn- Why bedtime questions hit harder (it's nervous-system inventory, not drama)
- How to avoid the two extremes: forever promises vs fear-flooding
- The middle path: truth + steadiness + a plan + connection
- Exactly what to say for the first question and the sticky follow-up
- How to use Two Hands + Three Breaths to help your child's body settle
- What to say if your child replays scary equipment memories (one sentence, then connection)
- Pick one anchor phrase: "I'm healthy right now. And you are taken care of."
- Use the boundary: "Kid-sized pieces only."
- Offer the choice: "Hug, facts, or quiet company?"
- Do Two Hands + Three Breaths after you answer
- If you get flooded: step out for 30 seconds, breathe, then come back with: "That hit my heart too. I'm here."
Pick one. One is enough.
Links mentioned- Donate or share the fundraiser (Kyle Pease Foundation) https://kyle-pease-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com/projects/297130-amy-patenaude-s-fundraiser
- Free Volcano Moments + Hurricane Level Feelings phrases guide https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/volcanomoments
- Summer Without the Spiral: A Parent Workshop to Build a Simple Summer Plan for Learning, Play, Screens, and Sanity (May 14 webinar) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017774015643/WN_PDHZiQKXTu-1eo_9_5NAiA
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/psyched2parent/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/psyched2parent/
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@psyched2parent
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a provider-client relationship. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, safety, or development, please consult a qualified professional in your area.
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By Dr. Amy Patenaude, Ed.D., NCSPEpisode summary
Bedtime is when kids' brains time-travel—especially after your family has lived through serious illness or loss. In this ALS Awareness Month mini episode (1 of 3), Dr. Amy shares her personal "why" and gives you kid-sized truth (not the whole ocean), plus exact scripts for the "Are you going to die?" questions that tend to show up when the lights go out.
In this episode you'll learn- Why bedtime questions hit harder (it's nervous-system inventory, not drama)
- How to avoid the two extremes: forever promises vs fear-flooding
- The middle path: truth + steadiness + a plan + connection
- Exactly what to say for the first question and the sticky follow-up
- How to use Two Hands + Three Breaths to help your child's body settle
- What to say if your child replays scary equipment memories (one sentence, then connection)
- Pick one anchor phrase: "I'm healthy right now. And you are taken care of."
- Use the boundary: "Kid-sized pieces only."
- Offer the choice: "Hug, facts, or quiet company?"
- Do Two Hands + Three Breaths after you answer
- If you get flooded: step out for 30 seconds, breathe, then come back with: "That hit my heart too. I'm here."
Pick one. One is enough.
Links mentioned- Donate or share the fundraiser (Kyle Pease Foundation) https://kyle-pease-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com/projects/297130-amy-patenaude-s-fundraiser
- Free Volcano Moments + Hurricane Level Feelings phrases guide https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/volcanomoments
- Summer Without the Spiral: A Parent Workshop to Build a Simple Summer Plan for Learning, Play, Screens, and Sanity (May 14 webinar) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017774015643/WN_PDHZiQKXTu-1eo_9_5NAiA
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/psyched2parent/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/psyched2parent/
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@psyched2parent
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a provider-client relationship. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, safety, or development, please consult a qualified professional in your area.