Should You Tell Your Kids About Your DID?
(Summary) If you’re a parent with DID or OSDD, you’ve probably wrestled with the question: should I tell my kids? In this video, we look at why disclosure — shared in a developmentally appropriate way — can actually help children. From easing confusion and reducing self-blame, to normalizing mental health and removing shame, you’ll learn reasons some parents choose openness and how it can support healthier family dynamics.
If you have OSDD or DID and you have kids, you’ve probably thought about whether or not you should tell your kids. I know one concern some parents have is that they worry their children will feel burdened by this knowledge, that the kids will feel like they have to care-take the parent. But there are some reasons you might want to consider telling your kids in a developmentally appropriate way, of course.
For one thing, it’s very likely your kids have realized that something is going on. They just don’t know how to explain it. This can be very confusing to them and they may even think they are to blame for it for reasons they can’t figure out.
Another reason to tell them is to normalize it. DID and OSDD are misunderstood as mental illnesses. Although they are injuries from traumatic childhoods, even if they were mental illnesses there should be no reason to hide it. We all have mental health issues and struggles from time to time. Admitting this normalizes them all.
A third reason to tell them is to take any shame out of it. If your kids get the sense that there is some secret, they are likely to conclude that it’s a secret because it’s shameful.
Next week, I’m going to talk about how you might go about sharing your DID or OSDD diagnosis with your children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell my kids about my DID or OSDD?
It depends on your children’s age, maturity, and your comfort level. Many parents choose to share in a developmentally appropriate way to reduce confusion and strengthen trust. Others may wait until their kids are older.
Why might telling my kids help them?
Children often sense that something is happening even if they can’t explain it. Without context, they may blame themselves. Explaining DID or OSDD in simple terms can relieve this confusion and reassure them it isn’t their fault.
How does talking about DID normalize mental health?
By being open about your condition, you model that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. Sharing can help kids see that having challenges is part of being human, not a secret to hide.
What’s the most important thing to remember when telling kids?
Keep explanations age-appropriate, focus on safety and reassurance, and emphasize that they are not responsible for your condition. The goal is to help kids feel secure, not burdened. If you’d like information and resources on this topic, you might want to check this blog post: