How do you tell your kids

[symmit]

I've been away for a week, and started the CPAP while I was away - back at home now, and it's hit me - what do I tell the kids?

I've got 4 kids, 16, 15, 12 and 11 yrs old, the 16 yr old is fine, I've told him what the CPAP is for and that I'm going to be well with it - how do I tell the youngest ones. (my 15 yr old has Cerebral Palsy and is unlikely to ask...)

[Tigers Fan]

How about the facts?

Because I eat so much, I'm fat. Being fat causes me to have breathing difficulties when I'm asleep and to overcome that I use this machine. As long as I use the machine, I'm absoluterly fine and just like everyone else - which means being less tired and less grumpy for starters. If I lose weight, I may not need the machine at all.

Or are you a drama queen and need to go for the sympathy vote?

TF

[Fredxx]

I would play the "Elephant man" card...although 11 and 12 is maybe heading a bit on the old side for it.

Basically, as Tiger said, just tell them the truth, it will stop you snoring, keep you breathing all night, and mean you are less grumpy in the day. You will find kids are more intlligent and accepting than you think they are. Just keep it light, tell the truth, and making a bit of a joke out of it helps too

[acebass]

Basically, as Tiger said, just tell them the truth

I agree, my children were 8 and 4 when I started on CPAP. Make sure you explain it in simple terms and show them how it works, let them see you with it on as well. This last bit is important if they have to come to you in the night, my youngest used to suffer nosebleeds at night and often would come to wake me. I think if he hadn't known what to expect he may have been scared by it all.

[Sparticus]

I agree, my children were 8 and 4 when I started on CPAP. Make sure you explain it in simple terms and show them how it works, let them see you with it on as well. This last bit is important if they have to come to you in the night, my youngest used to suffer nosebleeds at night and often would come to wake me. I think if he hadn't known what to expect he may have been scared by it all.

Yes completely agree with that, I explained it too my 8 year old and after a few jokes about it and some simple explainations, it has never bothered her.

[symmit]

Thanks for all the replies, We showed them how it worked and told them how it stops me snoring and waking up so I can breathe clearly all night and get a proper good nights sleep like they do so I can be a nicer person and get more done in the day with family and work.

Thanks for all your replies!