KB, you are right. I am going through this as well. Though, my "best used date" is later. My daughter was 15 when I was diagnosed. You try to shield them, but it doesn't really work as it just opens more questions that roll around in their heads in the middle of the night. Kids know allot more than given credit for. Many kids will want to shield their feelings from their loved ones as well. But it can eat them up inside. They need lots of hand holding, sitting on your lap, hugs and kisses and know that you really love them and are not wanting to leave them. They need to see your tears and be held to hear your heart beating n your chest. Spouses even go through this possibly harder. My wife was so hurt that I would leave her now. The spinning of emotions is greater than can be imagined.
