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www.FredParent.NET • 15 child, answering their ques- tions simply and clearly and suggesting activities that the elder and younger can still enjoy together (looking at photo albums, doing simple crafts, singing out loud) is suggested. If the family member with Alzheimer's is living with you and your family, the stress may impact your children, even if they don't articulate how they are feeling. This may manifest in problems at school. If this happens, enlisting the support of the school counselor is recommended by the NIA, and arranging activities for your children outside the house, with friends or other family members is also helpful. Mary Becelia's grandfather had Alzheimer's before his death at age 90. She hopes the suggestions in this piece help others who are going through this long goodbye. Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/ publication/helping-children-understand- alzheimers-disease The Alzheimer's Association Local Resources and Support Groups http://www.alz.org/grva/in_my_community_ support.asp For Further Reading Some books available at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library What's Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver The Memory Box by Mary Bahr (e-book) Still My Grandma by Vronique Van den Abeele Tailor your approach to your child's age. BUILDING STRONG BRIGHT FUTURES FOUR BRANCHES-ONE MEMBERSHIP MASSAD FAMILY Y– 540-371-9622 RON ROSNER FAMILY Y– 540-735-9622 KING GEORGE FAMILY Y– 540-775-9622 CAROLINE FAMILY YMCA– 804-448-9622 THE RAPPAHANNOCK AREA YMCA OFFERS BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT ALL FOUR BRANCHES INCLUDING OFF -SITE LOCATIONS IN STAFFORD COUNTY AND CAROLINE COUNTY. THE YMCA PROVIDES YOUR CHILDREN WITH A SAFE AND FUN ATMOSPHERE WHERE THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING THEMSELVES WITH OUR QUALIFIED, CARING COUNSELORS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: SWIMMING, YOUTH FITNESS CLASSES, COOKING, ARTS& CRAFTS, SCIENCE, KIDZ LIT, INTERACT ZONE ACTIVITIES AND MUCH MORE! For more information please visit us at: www.family-ymca.org JOIN TODAY!