We were trying to explain to my grandson (who lives with me/I take care of) what was wrong with Grammy 'cause he has definitely noticed and is asking about the meds and why Grammy keeps going to the doctor and if he's gonna get sick too..... - keeping in mind that he's 5 (although in my book he's a handsome genius of course - bragging rights there...).

I had read the spoon story but didn't think he could relate so I tried to come up with another idea to explain it to him.... and I thought I'd share it

I told him we'd play a game that would help him understand what was wrong with Grammy: then I had him get out his favorite game (Candy Land) and I got out two glasses the same size and filled them up (he's not old enough to understand conservation yet). I explained to him we would pretend this was our "energy" to play with - and each time we took a turn we had to take a drink of water and when the water was out, so was our energy and we couldn't play anymore. And so we started playing - when my turns came around I made a point to take large swallows (emptying my glass in 1/2 the time).... and ran out of "energy" before the game was over..... at which point his eyes gotta kinda of big and round and he said "Grammy that not fair this... this mureene gravy is eatting up all your energy.... here I'll share mine" Which broke my heart and made me smile at the same time when I had to explain to him that was very very nice of him but each of us had our own glass of "energy" and it's one of the few things we really can't share with someone else but the medicine Grammy was taking was helping to "refill" my glass. At which point he popped up and said "Like when I take a nap - it refills my energy glass" and I agreed. That's when my brilliant little guy said - "you know what Grammy, I think you should take more naps to refill your energy glass - it helps alot....."

We're still not sure he really understands but he doesn't seem as worried about it and has decided to share his favorite most special stuffy with me when I need a nap - but not at bedtime of course

How has anyone else explained to kids? Did it work?