Helping children understand FTD

Living with a person with FTD can be frightening and difficult for a child. The person with FTD may inappropriately disciple the child. Behavioral symptoms may seem personal to a child. The child may not want to bring friends home.

Discuss FTD with your child, but remember that discussing means both talking and listening - and listening may be the most valuable part of the conversation.

• When your child asks questions, respond with simple, honest answers. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" and then offer to try to find out.
• Explain that FTD is a disease. Just as children get colds and earaches, older adults can get illnesses that cause them to act differently. Explain that the brain disease means that the person cannot help or stop the behavioral symptoms.
• Focus on the things that your loved one can still do, as well as those that are becoming more difficult.
• Be patient. You may need to repeat explanations on multiple occasions, depending on the age of the child.
• Reassure your child that he or she is loved — no matter what.
• Don't be afraid to use humor. It often helps if you can laugh about the situation together.
• If your child doesn’t talk about the situation or withdraws from your loved one, ask what changes your child has noticed in your family member with FTD.
• Your child's observations may lead naturally to an exploration of his or her own feelings and worries. Assure your child it's okay to feel nervous, sad or angry.
• Help your child stay connected to the person with FTD by involving them in familiar activities, such as setting the table together. Even young children can stay connected with a relative by paging through photo albums or listening to music together.
• If your child becomes impatient with your loved one, reiterate that the behavior isn't intentional — it's a result of the disease.
• You may have to weigh the well-being of your child against placement for your family member.
• Find other adults such as a scout leader or teacher who can be a role model and friend for your child.