{"id":6381,"date":"2025-04-13T14:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T14:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/?p=6381"},"modified":"2025-04-11T14:46:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T14:46:01","slug":"how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/13\/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Talk to Your Kids About Dementia (Without Freaking Anyone Out)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"612\">Dementia affects more than just the person diagnosed\u2014it ripples through the entire family. If you\u2019re part of the sandwich generation (hi, hello, I see you also juggling kids, aging parents, and a cold cup of coffee \ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffc), you may be navigating a tough new chapter: explaining dementia to your kids in a way that makes sense and doesn\u2019t scare them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"833\">Good news\u2014you don\u2019t have to do it alone. Let\u2019s talk about how to break it down in kid-friendly ways, make space for big emotions (from everyone!) and help your child stay connected with the grandparent they love, even as things change.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"860\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"1777\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"960\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"864\" data-end=\"960\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">What is dementia, and why do kids need to know?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"1077\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"1077\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">How do you explain dementia to a child in simple terms?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1190\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1190\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">What age should you talk to your kids about dementia?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1437\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1437\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">How can you maintain the bond between your child and a loved one with dementia?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1438\" data-end=\"1520\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1520\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">What if your child is scared or upset?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1643\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1643\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">Tips for sandwich generation parents: How to manage it all<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1777\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1777\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f283bb;\">Books, shows, and resources to help explain dementia to children<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1833\">What is dementia and why do kids need to know?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"2109\">Dementia is not a specific disease\u2014it\u2019s a collection of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common type. And yes, it can be confusing and even a little scary, especially when it\u2019s happening to someone your child loves deeply.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2135\">So, why bring it up?<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2343\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2172\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2172\">Kids notice when something\u2019s off.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2173\" data-end=\"2253\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2253\">They hear whispered conversations and see the grown-ups crying in the kitchen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2343\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2343\">If we don\u2019t explain it, they\u2019ll make up their own (often scarier) version of the truth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2448\">Being honest\u2014gently, lovingly, and age-appropriately\u2014can actually make kids feel safer and more secure.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2455\" data-end=\"2513\">How do you explain dementia to a child in simple terms?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2558\">Keep it short, clear and warm. Here are some go-to scripts for younger kids:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2607\" data-end=\"2731\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2609\" data-end=\"2731\">\u201cGrandma has an illness called dementia. It makes it hard for her to remember things or do certain things she used to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2828\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2828\">\u201cIt\u2019s not something you can catch, like a cold. And it\u2019s not because of anything anyone did.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2830\" data-end=\"2894\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2832\" data-end=\"2894\">\u201cShe still loves you\u2014even if she forgets your name sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3084\" data-end=\"3112\">Comparisons and metaphors to explain dementia to kids:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3187\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3254\"><strong data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"354\">A puzzle with missing pieces:<\/strong> Grandma\u2019s brain is like a big puzzle. Some of the pieces are missing now, so things don\u2019t always make sense to her the way they used to.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"317\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"317\"><strong data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"120\">Like a bookshelf tipping over:<\/strong> Imagine a tall bookshelf with all of Grandma\u2019s memories on it. Sometimes, the shelf gets wobbly, and the newer books fall off first. The older ones\u2014like when she was a kid\u2014stay on a little longer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"317\"><strong data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"843\">A treasure box with a tricky lock:<\/strong> She still has lots of wonderful memories and love inside her, but sometimes the lock is jammed and she can\u2019t get them out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3277\">Some kids really <em data-start=\"3261\" data-end=\"3266\">get<\/em> metaphors.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3284\" data-end=\"3340\">What age should you talk to your kids about dementia?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3454\">If they\u2019re old enough to notice, they\u2019re old enough to know\u2014at least a version that matches their age and stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3545\"><strong data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3475\">Toddlers (2\u20134):<\/strong> Keep it super simple. \u201cGrandpa is sick and sometimes forgets things.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3653\"><strong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3569\">Little kids (5\u20138):<\/strong> Use stories, pictures, and metaphors to explain what\u2019s happening. Expect questions, even the most bizarre ones!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3655\" data-end=\"3750\"><strong data-start=\"3655\" data-end=\"3673\">Tweens (9\u201312):<\/strong> Be more honest about the progression. They can handle a bit more complexity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3865\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4543\">How can you maintain the bond between your child and a loved one with dementia?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4545\" data-end=\"4669\">This one hits hard. Watching a beloved grandparent slip away is heartbreaking. But the connection doesn\u2019t have to disappear.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4710\">Simple ways to keep the bond alive:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4712\" data-end=\"5155\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4712\" data-end=\"4841\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4841\"><strong data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4737\">Create a photo book<\/strong>: Add pictures of your child and their grandparent doing things together. Flip through it during visits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4915\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4844\" data-end=\"4915\"><strong data-start=\"4844\" data-end=\"4861\">Draw together<\/strong>: Art is a shared language that doesn\u2019t require words.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4916\" data-end=\"5017\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4918\" data-end=\"5017\"><strong data-start=\"4918\" data-end=\"4933\">Music magic<\/strong>: Play old songs your parent loved. Music taps into deep memory and can trigger joy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5018\" data-end=\"5115\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5115\"><strong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5033\">Storytime<\/strong>: Have your child read aloud to their grandparent\u2014or vice versa if it still works.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5155\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5118\" data-end=\"5155\"><strong data-start=\"5118\" data-end=\"5134\">Snuggle time<\/strong>: Hugs go a long way.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5157\" data-end=\"5248\">Your child might not remember what was said, but they will remember how it <em data-start=\"5229\" data-end=\"5235\">felt<\/em> to be there.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"5255\" data-end=\"5296\">What if your child is scared or upset?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5298\" data-end=\"5392\">Fear is a natural response\u2014especially when a loved one suddenly acts \u201cweird\u201d or forgets names. Or even gets frustrated and acts out.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5394\" data-end=\"5409\">What helps:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"5411\" data-end=\"5662\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5411\" data-end=\"5509\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5413\" data-end=\"5509\">Give them a script: \u201cYou can say, \u2018Hi Grandma! It\u2019s me, Lily. I brought your favorite cookies!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5510\" data-end=\"5575\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5512\" data-end=\"5575\">Normalize their feelings: \u201cI felt nervous too, the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5576\" data-end=\"5662\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5578\" data-end=\"5662\">Debrief after visits: \u201cWhat did you notice? Anything surprise you? How did it feel?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5664\" data-end=\"5741\">Sometimes, just talking it through is enough to shift fear into understanding.<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: var(--h-color, #161616); font-family: var(--text-h-font, var(--h-font)); font-size: 23px; font-weight: 600;\"><br \/>\nWhat to Do When Dementia Outbursts Happen in Front of Your Kids<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"315\">When a parent with dementia acts out\u2014like the time my mom spat at me because she swore my cooking was terrible and I didn\u2019t belong in her house\u2014it can be jarring for you <em data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"232\">and<\/em> your kids. Here\u2019s how to handle those tough moments when little eyes are watching:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"902\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"445\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"319\" data-end=\"445\"><strong data-start=\"319\" data-end=\"346\">Stay calm and grounded.<\/strong> Your reaction sets the tone for your child. Keep your voice steady, even if your heart\u2019s racing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"584\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"584\"><strong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"467\">Explain simply.<\/strong> Later, tell your child, \u201cGrandma\u2019s brain is sick, and sometimes that makes her say or do things she doesn\u2019t mean.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"675\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"675\"><strong data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"615\">Validate their feelings.<\/strong> Let them know it\u2019s okay to feel scared, sad, or confused.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"676\" data-end=\"765\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"765\"><strong data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"696\">Offer comfort.<\/strong> Hugs, a favorite snack, or a little distraction can go a long way.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"766\" data-end=\"902\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"768\" data-end=\"902\"><strong data-start=\"768\" data-end=\"794\">Don\u2019t force closeness.<\/strong> If your child needs space from visits after an episode, honor that. Emotional safety matters for them, too.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"30\">It\u2019s okay to skip a visit!<\/h4>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"32\" data-end=\"375\">Really. If bringing your child causes distress for your parent\u2014or if it leaves your little one feeling scared or confused\u2014it\u2019s more than okay to sit one out. You\u2019re not failing anyone by protecting your kid\u2019s emotional well-being or honoring your parent\u2019s comfort. Some days, space is the kindest choice for everyone, including yourself \u2665<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"5748\" data-end=\"5809\">Tips for sandwich generation parents: How to manage it all<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5811\" data-end=\"5980\">Okay, deep breath. You\u2019re not just parenting your kids\u2014you\u2019re caring for your parents, managing a house, and somehow holding it all together (For me, coffee and dry shampoo)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5982\" data-end=\"6016\">Here\u2019s how to survive this season:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"6018\" data-end=\"6038\">1. Lower the bar<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6040\" data-end=\"6114\">Perfection is not the goal. Love, stability, and snacks are much more doable.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6136\">2. Let people in<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6138\" data-end=\"6297\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6138\" data-end=\"6206\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6140\" data-end=\"6206\">Say yes when someone offers to babysit, drive, or drop off dinner.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6207\" data-end=\"6260\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6209\" data-end=\"6260\">Talk to your partner or siblings about tag-teaming care duties.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6261\" data-end=\"6297\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6263\" data-end=\"6297\">Reach out to friends who <em data-start=\"6288\" data-end=\"6297\">get it.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"6299\" data-end=\"6324\">3. Take care of <em data-start=\"6319\" data-end=\"6324\">you<\/em><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6326\" data-end=\"6361\">Clich\u00e9? Yep. Still essential? 100%.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6363\" data-end=\"6451\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6363\" data-end=\"6371\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6365\" data-end=\"6371\">Walks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6372\" data-end=\"6387\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6374\" data-end=\"6387\">Deep breaths.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6388\" data-end=\"6419\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6390\" data-end=\"6419\">Group chats with funny memes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6420\" data-end=\"6451\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6422\" data-end=\"6451\">Therapy (highly recommended).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6453\" data-end=\"6560\">Burnout helps no one. Especially not the tiny humans who still need you to find their missing shoe at 7:30 a.m. (Enter: <a href=\"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/preschool-shoe-labels?utm_source=mabelhood&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_campaign=kids+dementia\">Mabel&#8217;s Labels<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"6567\" data-end=\"6634\">Books, shows, and resources to help explain dementia to children<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6636\" data-end=\"6716\">Sometimes the best way to explain something big is to let a story do it for you.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"6718\" data-end=\"6741\">Kid-friendly books:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6743\" data-end=\"6962\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6743\" data-end=\"6796\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6745\" data-end=\"6796\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/Grandpa-Me-Karen-Katz\/dp\/0689866445\"><em data-start=\"6745\" data-end=\"6761\">Grandpa and Me<\/em> by Karen Katz<\/a> (great for toddlers)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6797\" data-end=\"6870\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6799\" data-end=\"6870\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wilfrid-Gordon-McDonald-Partridge-Anniversary\/dp\/1761297430\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QEY8M16FYCJJ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7GWkCqxV4mDoluNDMwQtH-08TwAOP-KazVlkmfkuteAsHZaDheB67sQb-DTc4ffk3c9iS40aMEenciUmLVNjD8qc52CIA6IX1vzYI5gbRpc.CshUA_axBCPhhNXgIxdr8827aO1Yee5upDsyTXzr9H4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Wilfrid+Gordon+McDonald+Partridge+by+Mem+Fox&amp;qid=1744382050&amp;sprefix=wilfrid+gordon+mcdonald+partridge+by+mem+fox%2Caps%2C120&amp;sr=8-1\"><em data-start=\"6799\" data-end=\"6834\">Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge<\/em> by Mem Fox<\/a> (a classic for ages 4\u20138)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6908\" data-end=\"6962\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6910\" data-end=\"6962\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Really-Truly-%C3%89milie-Rivard\/dp\/1926973402\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CX9XZZ7N477M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Zx9CjOv-yX7B4u1zydpL38p1RvFaZXH3zs-rhXsKIpM.uu3r8MI9kv5RvSfk7tV4ZOmPSedFkHDdo8w-l7LLPms&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Really+and+Truly+by+%C3%89milie+Rivard&amp;qid=1744382114&amp;sprefix=really+and+truly+by+%C3%A9milie+rivard%2Caps%2C90&amp;sr=8-1\"><em data-start=\"6910\" data-end=\"6928\">Really and Truly<\/em> by \u00c9milie Rivard<\/a> (for older kids)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"7391\" data-end=\"7453\">You don\u2019t have to get it perfect. You just have to show up.<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"7455\" data-end=\"7667\">If you\u2019ve made it this far, you\u2019re already doing something right. Talking to your child about dementia isn\u2019t about having all the right words\u2014it\u2019s about showing up with love, honesty, and a willingness to listen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"7669\" data-end=\"7908\">Yes, it\u2019s a lot. But this messy, emotional middle? It\u2019s also where the magic happens, where your child learns empathy. Where they understand how to love someone even when it\u2019s hard. Where <em data-start=\"7857\" data-end=\"7862\">you<\/em> remember that you\u2019re stronger than you think. I&#8217;m right here with you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/category\/senior-living-labels\/seniors-label-pack?utm_source=mabelhood&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_campaign=kids+dementia\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6296 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"521\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels.jpg 521w, https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels-175x175.jpg 175w, https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BlogAds-SeniorLabels-450x450.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dementia affects more than just the person diagnosed\u2014it ripples through the entire family. If you\u2019re part of the sandwich generation (hi, hello, I see you also juggling kids, aging parents, and a cold cup of coffee \ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffc), you may be navigating a tough new chapter: explaining dementia to your kids in a way that makes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1562],"class_list":{"0":"post-6381","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-parenting","7":"tag-sandwich-generation"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Talk to Your Kids About Dementia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here\u2019s how to talk to your kids about dementia with honesty, empathy, and age-appropriate tools that help them feel safe and understood.\" \/>\n<meta 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