I just had a tubal ligation and my kids have been staying overnight at their aunt's for an extended sleepover. I didn't tell them what I was going to be doing while they were gone but they seemed a little concerned and worried when I told them they would be going overnight to their aunt's and asked me where I was going. Now they are coming home but I am still nauseous and sore and feel like I should probably explain to them what happened. I feel like they are more worried than I thought they would be. Their ages are 5-13.
It's so nice to get all these friendly answers, thank you! I sat down with my kids at breakfast this morning and told my kids that doctors can do a surgery that keeps a mom from having any more babies and that while they were at their aunt's I was in the hospital getting the surgery. They were disappointed about no more babies but understood when I explained about no more room in the house or car for anymore and how important it is to me to take care of them well. I told them I wasn't feeling well from the medicine and they have been very kind,caring,and helpful. Feel to yucky to hide it.
The 5 year old just needs to know mommy went to the doctor. the 13 year old can know more (in fact if the 13 year old is a girl I would be explaining the whole thing as part of the birds and bees talk.) You can also just tell them that you don't feel well and you have medicine for it (I assume you still have pain meds.)
do they even need to know what was going on beyond "mommy doesnt feel good, it's nothing you can catch, and you need to be gentle with me?"
You have no need to explain the surgery to them. Just tell them that you're not feeling well and need some time to rest. It's not lying. They don't need the details at all.
Good advice already. Nothing to add, just wanted to say that I hope you feel better soon and you heal quickly. Let people pamper you for a while!
Just tell the littluns that mommy went to the doctor so that he could help her not have any more babies, and she needs to rest. The teens are old enough to understand the process.
My mom went in for surgery when I was seven to have a hysterectomy. They didn't try to hide what happened. The 13 year old is plenty old enough for you to tell the truth to. I would tell the five year old that you had to go to the hospital and have a procedure done. You don't have to explain it all to her/him.
Just tell them you went in for a tune up.
It's nothing serious or life threatening and you'll feel better in a little bit.
Too much information can overwhelm kids and you can bet they'll be discussing what ever they find out all over the neighborhood.
Having to stay in the hospital can seem scary to kids, so just explain to them that you had surgery and you just need some time to feel better. When they asked, I told my kids that my birth control pills are medicine that I take "so that I don't have any more babies right now" (they are okay with this explanation, and they are 8 and 6); maybe you can say the same about your surgery (because you are not planning on having any more babies). Good luck; I hope you recover quickly.
If you want to tell the 13 year old I would think that's fine, if he is a boy he probably won't want many details anyways. I would just tell them that your not feeling very good, but your going to be just fine once you rest for a while.
Hello, You could explain that they are such great kids and you have decided that you aren't going to have any more children (not that they are the reason, but that you feel your family is just right now). That this was a surgery to help you to not get pregnant again. Keep it simple and they will lead with any questions they may have. I would answer each question simply and look them in the eye when you do it. That will help to alleviate any anxiety they may have.
Good luck with your precious family.
K. K.
don't tell them what it is yet. They do not need to know. Tell them you had an operation or surgery and that you will be sore for a bit. This is too big a topic for a 5 year old. the 13 y/o might "get it" but not understand why you did it completely.
No need to go into great detail. "Mom wasn't feeling well and had to stay over night in the hospital so the doctors could take care of me. I'm better now, but still need to rest, so please help mom and be as quiet as possible".
Blessings.....
