How would you guys suggest explaining seizures to a three and four yr old?
@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
My kids are all adults now. I didn't have epilepsy when they were younger. I am a retired nurse though.
I would keep it as simple as you can, but don't talk down to them.
I know kids know about computers and tablets at that age. My 24 yr old used to be an expert when she was 2 yrs old and that was 22 yrs ago!
If I had a child that young, I would explain that brains are like computers. The electrical activity that make a brain work sometimes short circuits or the electricity just misfires. Draw simple pictures if you can. Explain that when the brain misfires, you have a problem called a seizure. I'm not sure if they've seen you have a seizure or not, but tell them it's only for a short while and reassure them that you will be ok. Explain that your brain is like a computer...sometimes it just needs a few minutes to " reboot" or reset itself.
I would even teach your 4 yr old how to call a relative, friend or neighbor if you are home alone with the kids. Program numbers in the phone for them and practice over and over with them how to call an adult.
Good luck.
It does they want to know why it happens especially my Abby who has focal complex partial seizures is what Dr put
With my daughter, I just told her that if she even sees mommy shaking and not responding to her and mostly on the floor to grab the phone and call 911... the most important to me was to teach her how to call 911 in an emergency situation. Kids are very smart, maybe is not much necessary to explain to them a seizure its self but the situation. I hope my answer helps
My son was about three years old when he saw my first one. We were by ourself. He sat and waited to make sure mom was ok. My older has a harder time understanding.
I would probably tell the child that if if they see me acting strangely that they normally don't see me act or if you have grand mals or Tonic Clonic , I would tell them if they see my possibly drop and my entire body shakes and moves maybe say wierd words or noises , then I'm probably having a seizure.
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