Great idea about the book...

Not so sure about the plug...I know my kids would start playing around with cords if I used that example But it is a great visual about how MS works...or doesn't...

My kids were all adults when I was dxd. My 27 yr old DD has taken it hard...when we are all together, and I start walking like a drunk or something comes up suddenly, she starts crying. So I try my best not to show what's up...I try to even fool myself, just so the MonSter doesn't control my life...

Anyway, I would suggest simple terms, put in a positive light, to explain what is going on. Children are perceptive, and also fearful of losing their parents, so I would definitely let them know that you will be there for a very long time...

Great advice. I wasn't dx'd until my son was in college, and he wasn't much interested, because he was used to a mom who sometimes was dizzy, sometimes walked in a meander, etc. He was undoubtedly told by my parents that I was a hypochondriac. I remained a hypochondriac in his eyes after dx, as he was too busy getting a Ph.D. and chasing girls to be interested in my problems. However, after I got other diagnoses, he began to pay attention. It was much easier to explain to a scientist about Polycythemia Vera, which has a fairly easy diagnostic route. He now accepts what I am. But won't cut me any slack if I whine. I suspect he has one of my diseases and so I forgive him for grumps. He won't do the doctor and diet route anyway.

I was dx'd when my dtr was 8 months old and my son was 2. The easiest way I found to explain it was that mommy's brain is sick, it gets "holes" in it, and stuff I'm supposed to remember just falls out! I also got a children's anatomy book and showed them the brain and nervous system when they were a little older, and explained how the "slippery stuff" that made the nerve messages go fast was missing in places, so they would go slow and have traffic jams.

I've always been very open about any medical issues I'm having, letting them see my surgery incisions or watch me take my shots or whatever. They usually want to know: 1. Are you going to die? and 2. Does it hurt a lot? Once I've reassured them on these points they are pretty well satisfied. And I try to substitute things I can do for things I can't, like I can't play soccer with you, but I'll be your cheerleader from the porch. Kids can be a big help from a very young age, you'd be surprised!

what if you just said something like:
"You know when Mommy has trouble walking or when she gets really super tired and has to nap? Well it is because my leg can't "hear" what my brain/head is telling it to do. When this happens Mommy has to use a cane/sit/take a nap till it talks right again. We call it MS for short - sort of like when we called those itchy spots you had chicken pox. Any questions?"

Answer in simple, short language - concetrating on what they asked and not going into too much technically detail. Children tend to be satisfied with simple, direct answers . They pop up with new questions or concerns over the coming months and years as they mature and can understand & relate to more.

My niece was 5 when we had to explain to her. Her biggest fears were:
1) are you going to die? Not until I am really old and you have your own little kids a long, long time from now.
2) does it hurt? Not really (ok, so I fibbed a bit)
3) can I catch it? Oh no - just like I couldn't catch your broken arm last summer
4) how come so & so said you will be in a home & dead soon? How silly - he just is scared and doesn't know what he is talking about. You ever want to check with me just say so.

I let little kids explore and play with my crutches and wheelchair for a few moments if they follow the rules {ask first, sometimes I need it and they cant use it and when I say "all done" then no complaining}. I think kids need to experiment and discover equipment to not be afraid of it and also to learn to be comfortable around disabilities, but that is my opinion.

Remeber that kids will ask questions thruout the months/years as they think of them and as they have the capacity/maturity to understand more. Keep it on their level and short & sweet.

good luck!