I ran into one of my first challenges with in explaining my state of my (lack of) health to my almost 6 year old son. I was sore today, attributed to nothing specific, and I was short-tempered. Patrick was climbing all over me - he was happy to see me - and I asked him to stop. And I told him I was sore. The word flew out of my mouth before I could think about it or take it back. I have never said that to him before. He may be young but he had this look of understanding in his eyes. Like he knew something wasn't quite right. He's an intuitive little guy.
The conversation moved on, but I'm still stuck in that moment of what would have been a better answer? What do I tell him, and when? I've seen book for kids about kids with JRA which explains why they are different and how to help them - but has anyone seen one on how to explain to your child that you have RA?
I want to provide the right answers at the right time. My right shoulder will need replacing soon enough (the left one was replaced almost 2 years ago) and I know that he will have more questions. It's just hard to find the right answers when I don't even know them...
