I was diagnosed with MS a year ago and my nine-year-old daughter is very worried. I have been quite unwell since diagnosis and was in hospital last week. She is very anxious and gets fearful whenever I talk about it. I've kept her well informed on it but am now worried I've given her too much info that's scaring her! Any tips on allaying her fears as much as I can? 

I am sorry to hear of your illness and I hope the outcome will be as good as is possible.

You need to keep a positive outlook for your future and take good care of yourself. It is important that your daughter has good information about MS and in particular how it effects you.

I think it will be important for your physician to have a chat with her - this can be your GP by the way. Children respond well when they know the truth and respond poorly when they are left in doubt about matters like this. You must provide her with the more positive facts about your MS and minimise the negative. Assure her that you will do all you can do to say well for as long as possible.

When she asks questions answer them succinctly, do not go beyond the boundaries of the question. It is only natural for her, like you and everyone else in the family, to be upset at this time. There is no point in trying to pretend everything is the same as ever.

Be positive, be truthful, but also look after yourself and try to avoid the pitfalls of melancholy and anxiety. They will quickly be transferred to your daughter.

Every week on Moncrieff, David Carey, a psychologist with over 25 years experience in both clinical and educational settings, answers your parenting questions. Tune in live today at 3pm, or listen back to the podcasts of the show.