[Catalina10]

My grandson is 9 and his did was just diagnosed with Schizophrenia. The child is grieving the loss of his dad but does not know what is going on, only that he is "sick" and in the hospital. My grandson is starting to behave irrationally and even abusive to his mother. How do we tell a 9 year old and 12 year old about this illness that their father apparently has?

I feel that honesty is the best policy here, I would tell them that dad is ill and had to go to hosptial. However there are medications that can make him alot better and he will be out soon. That his illness is called **** and you will be happy to answer any of the questions they may have.

Then sit a while until they start asking.

[lynn P.]

I agree with Tishie - they should be told the truth and reassured the doctors are helping their Dad. Many times with mental illness there's a stigma - try not to let it get in the way. No matter what he's still their dad.

[Rhapsody]

Tell them with lost of love and patients.... and dont forget the hugs.

[Midnightmoon]

My son is 9 and his dad has been schizophernic his whole life. His dad has been pretty inconsistant and in and out of his life. Though his dads freak out's and episodes are a very vivid part of my son's memories of his dad. His last freak out happened about a year ago when he was 8. His dad yelled unconrollably at us at the store, said 'f you' and then we left. There was police called and all that when he came back to my house. Very traumatic for my son. His dad was freaking out because he was mad I woudn't be his girlfreind and he thoguht I was tring to make him homeless. His dad didn't call talk to him for a year or even explain what happened. Finially, we were able to get ahold of his gf and arrange a visit, though I don't know if he explained what happened because I wasn't there. But ever since that incident is when I toldhim that his dad has something called schizophernia, and that makes people think things that aren't really true. It's something in his brain that makes it not work as well.
Thereare some good books out there on it, I forget the names but do a google search on schizophernia kids books and you shall find. Good luck.