It's hard to say really … I always tell my one son [age 21] he is my inspiration he is the one that is strong and that is what makes me strong he is very isolated when it comes to his feeling etc but I always say I have a certain bond with each if my kids does not make me love them any more then the next but I feel this is mine and his bond the courage and strength we both have living with vhl that others don't understand but us ya know my other son is only 4 so he does not yet understand what is going on ...

as for parenting and tips it's hard cause no matter how many times u try to support ur child and say it will b OK deep down u know hearing that is so annoying…

I feel as a tip I always tell my son and all children I'm always here I will never judge but will always support and know they /he is NEVER ALONE but I don't poke and pry about it as I feel it makes him more depressed and will repress all his emotions and that is not what he or anyone needs…  

he will open up to me at times of his anxieties etc and to have him do that I feel I have accomplished something for him to do that and express my thanks to him and always say “I don't know how u feel even though I have vhl also I can't say I know the feeling cause all I know are my feelings as we r different in every way we just have the same thing if that makes any sense but I do feel the stress the fears the pains etc and that is why I'm always here for you so u can express all yours to me if to just help u for a bit” .... I hope this makes sense to u (Ontario)