How to Talk to Kids About Chronic or Serious Illness | Workshop with Mackenzie Liberta

Talking to kids about a parent or family member's serious or chronic illness can feel like one of the hardest conversations a caregiver will have. The good news is there are clear, age-appropriate ways to approach it that help kids feel safe, included, and supported. In this workshop, certified child life specialist and grief counselor Mackenzie Liberta walks parents and caregivers through practical tools and language for talking with kids about illness, so families can have honest conversations without overwhelming the children they love. What you'll learn How to start the conversation in an age-appropriate way What to say and how much to share at different ages and stages Words and scripts you can borrow for hard moments Signs a child is struggling to process what's happening How to invite questions and make space for big feelings Ways to care for yourself while supporting your child Chapters 0:00 Welcome and introduction 0:50 About The Grieving Space and child life specialists 3:24 Why these conversations matter 5:54 What kids understand at each age 9:27 The four steps overview 9:59 Step 1: Preparing yourself (the 4 W's) 16:16 Step 2: Sharing the news 18:47 Using books and age-appropriate language 20:37 Step 3: Explaining the diagnosis 22:25 Example script walkthrough 25:46 Step 4: Answering questions and next steps 27:41 The 6 C's and 3 W's 29:36 Advanced illness and end of life 32:36 Age-by-age support tips 34:22 Fostering connection at home 36:36 Emotional safety and responding to big behaviors 39:06 Partnering with your child's school 41:03 How child life specialists can support you 43:13 Q&A: bringing kids to the hospital About Mackenzie Liberta Mackenzie is a certified child life specialist and grief counselor, and the founder of The Grieving Space, where she helps families support children through serious illness, loss, and big life changes. Check out The Grieving Space:https://www.thegrievingspacechicago.com Access resources shared by Mackenzie: https://www.thegrievingspacechicago.c... Schedule a parent support call: https://www.thegrievingspacechicago.c... About Good Grief Good Grief is an all-in-one platform for people navigating caregiving, serious illness, end-of-life planning, and loss. We bring together vetted experts, workshops, community support, and tools so you never have to face it alone. Join the community: https://joingoodgrief.com Disclaimer: This workshop is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Please consult a qualified professional about your family's specific circumstances.