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[quote=Anonymous]OP, I had a schizophrenic uncle.  Your description of your BIL reminds me a bit of his good side...he had a generous spirit and a pure heart.  Your kids will be a bit freaked out, but this is a great time to get them prepared.  I think you will find that they adapt much more easily to the idea of a brain illness than adults do.  Just say, "Uncle Joey's brain gets sick from time to time, just like some parts of you get sick.  You know how when you have a col, weird stuff comes out of your nose?  Or when your stomach is sick, you can throw up?  Well, when Uncle Joey's brain is sick, he says weird things.  Sometimes they are funny and sometimes they are scary.  But that is just the sickness coming out.  Sometimes it's better for us to stay away if his brain isn't well.  When he takes his medicine and his brain feels better, he won't say so many strange things.  We will love him and be nice to him just as we would if his tummy was sick and he threw up, ok?"

Kids will get it.  It's a good opportunity for empathy and kindness.  And the "his brain is feeling sick" line will help if you need to make a quick hotel exit.[/quote]

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