There is often a deep wish to protect, not only the child but all from the true implications of such a finding and to delay telling the child seems the kind and easy way at the time. Doctors too often feel uncomfortable with children. It is believed that if a child is not told the truth from the beginning it is much harder for anyone to tell him or her later. In addition, he or she may find out elsewhere, and indeed not accurately, what is wrong and this could be disastrous. The child may worry even more than is necessary if they feel that there is a family secret about it.
Children are sensitive to atmosphere and are bound, however young, to sense that something is wrong.
No child is too young to have questions simply and honestly answered. This can be extremely hard at the time but most will agree that it will help the whole family in the future. Most children do not ask questions if they cannot cope with the answers. Indeed if they are told too much they just do not hear, or the information is stored somewhere in their memory until it becomes relevant. At any age knowledge is better than the lack of it.