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Angelina Jolie has spoken publicly and often about discussing her serious cancer risk with her kids.

Parents worry that sharing their own diagnoses with their kids will exacerbate their children's fears.

Honesty, even about a parent's mortality, increases a child's sense of confidence, connection, and security.

Reassure your child that they didn't make you sick and that you want them to laugh, play, and have fun.

Angelina Jolie has talked publicly about her family history of cancer, including preparing her children for the probability of her relatively young death, which has raised questions for parents about addressing their own health concerns.

Is it healthy to discuss your mortality with your child?

If, like Jolie, you’ve been diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, it’s a very good idea to talk to your child about what’s happening. You don’t want to tell them too much, but you also don’t want to add extra worries by avoiding or trivializing the situation. How and when you raise the topic matters enormously.

What are the risks and benefits?

The most obvious risk of talking to a child about your mortality is increasing their burden of anxiety and guilt as your condition deteriorates. Try to find a balance where you calmly and lovingly tell them enough, but not too much. After your initial conversation, leave the topic alone. Let them know you’re available to answer their questions, but don’t initiate further discussions unless they show a need for reassurance.

The situation itself is dreadfully unsettling, and you may not be able to allay your child’s fears on your own, so be prepared to get help if........

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