Patients may be reluctant to tell their children that they have been
diagnosed with Parkinson disease. Often this reflects a fear that
their relationship with their children will alter and that they will
be seen differently by them - no longer the strong, in-charge
parent, but a weaker version of what once they were. A chronic
illness impacts on children as well as a partner and telling them
may enable them to cope with changes that they may be observing but
do not understand. An open discussion can be beneficial to all
concerned. Young children can understand if the information is
presented simply and as a matter-of-fact. They will take their
emotional cues from the patient. If the patient is matter-of-fact,
children will not feel overwhelmed or burdened by the information.
Children will benefit from the opportunity to ask questions, voice
their fears (is it contagious, will you die?) and seek reassurance.
The patient will benefit from the opportunity to explain the changes
that their children may be observing, explain why they may not be
able to do certain things, and establish realistic expectations for
what they can do with their children.

Adolescents, already often embarrassed by just having parents, may
find it difficult to accept the physical changes that accompany
Parkinson disease. Children may go through similar stages as the
patient (denial, resentment, anger, acceptance) as they attempt to
understand the changes in their life. If children are having
difficulty in accepti