How do you keep your family in the loop, especially your children when dealing with your PTSD?

Let me tell you as a child of a World War II veteran that suffered from PTSD we knew that there were certain things that you don't do. We never tried to wake Dad up suddenly because he would think he was back in the war. We learned to be considerate of him. He never liked to talk about many things about the war but when he did we listened. My Dad was a Frogman, one of the original Navy Seals. He told us about his training, how hard it was and how many guys suffered. He nearly starved in North Africa and taught us never to waste food because of it. I think he taught me more about compassion for others than any other person in my life. He also taught me to value each day and in his words to "be tough kid" . To do your best and work at something really want even if it involves a hardship to obtain it. He always let us know how much he loved us. I think that's really the key. Let your kids know that you're having a tough time but you love them so much. Hold them and talk to them. Especially the little ones who are too young to understand it all. It will help you too as kids help us heal by just being kids. If your kids are older, talk them like they will understand and they will try because they love you. We also learned to have an immense respect for our military. My brothers went on to serve and now my son and nephews. All because of my Dad.

Just be honest with them and if you are having a bad day let them know some times it is good to seek council from a preacher or a professional psychologist. Talk to your brothers they will have advice you can take to the bank because you can relate to one another you don't have to talk about what happened while you were in country.

I think you have to look at the age of the child and then explain it on they level and the older the more you can tell them. But they know something is wrong especially if the child is old enough to remember you before the PTSD.