My 3-year-old son has become ill over the last few days - his white blood cell count is low and the diagnosis is immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
The prognosis is good - he should get better in a few weeks or months. He also feels good, but now we have to restrict his activities - no bicycle, no somersaults, no climbing, etc. At the same time, we have been seeing doctors, getting blood drawn, and discussing the topic as we learn about it. I would like to minimize psychological harm as a side effect - and, if possible, squeeze some positive educational opportunity out of it.
Considering the circumstances, he has been handling it very well. But he is starting to get worried - when we tell him he can't jump around he takes it very seriously.
How can we minimize negative psychological consequences of this situation? What should and should we not say to him? Maybe we should not discuss it at all in front of him? How should we discuss it?
This is making me realize the limits of my knowledge and abilities as a parent. For example, tomorrow we drive 2.5 hrs to see a doctor. To what degree should we avoid the topic? Should we go so far as to pretend that we are going to a park or museum with a quick stop at a doctor's office on the way?