The American Parkinson's Disease Association has a list of publications, brochures, and information to download here:

http://www.apdaparkinson.org/userND/AboutP arkinson.asp

Or you can find the basics here:

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-parkins ons/what-is-parkinsons.aspx

I think that a 12 year old boy will be able to understand this material --- and you can talk to him about it and read through the site together. For your 3 year old, you might try the following book. It's been created help children understand the illness as they are living with a family member diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

The Tale of A Parkie Princess: A Chronic Illness Described in a Fairy Tale


Please let us know how it goes.

Thank you so much for your reply. I am going to get hold of these for my son and certainly the fairy tale book for my little girl. It sounds like a great idea as although Amelie is only just 3 she has noticed daddy's hand shaking and often 'tells him off' for his fork tapping on the plate. I am sure a story like this told as she is growing up will help her tremendously in the years to come.
Thank you again for taking the time to provide me with this information. xx

You're very welcome. It's interesting how children really tell it like they see it, without much sugar coating. I'm sure that when they understand what's happening and that your husband is having difficulty controlling his movements, they'll develop a new sensitivity. I wish you all the best!