<p>Except that if the kids don’t have any idea their Dad is failing, it may be too late for them without notice. I don’t think it hurts to let the kids know. What they do with that information is then up to them. I wouldn’t contact them after that though. A simple letter just saying that you know their relationship is strained but thought they might like to be aware that their Dad’s health is poor. Leave the rest up to the kids if they want to mend fences or not. Being in that situation, I was glad I knew but chose not to reestablish the relationship—but somehow still ended up paying for the funeral ;)</p>