Source: Cancer Resource Room
When The
Parent Has Cancer
There is nothing that can prepare you
for the words, "You have cancer."
You may feel afraid and overwhelmed. This
is a stressful time for you and your entire
family. Having to tell your child that
you have cancer is one of the most difficult
tasks you might face.
Remember there is no one right way to
talk to your child. As a parent you know
him/her best. You will find the right
words and the right time.
Here are some tips for talking to your
child about your diagnosis.
Tell the truth
You may want to protect your child from
worry but children are aware of extra
stress in the family. It is best if your
child can be told what type of cancer
you have, and the first step in the treatment
plan. This way they will not overhear
the news and think, "Things are so
bad that mom or dad doesn’t want
to tell us." Being truthful also
helps to build trust.
Get support
When you are ready to talk about your
cancer with your child, do not feel like
you need to tell them by yourself. Ask
your spouse, partner, or friend to be
with you for support.
Find the right time
Find a quiet time when you will not be
interrupted. Turn off the TV. Don't answer
the phone.
Give age- appropriate information
Give information based on your child's
age and maturity. Younger children need
simple explanations. Older children may
want more details.
Questions
Guide what you say by what questions your
child asks. When kids ask questions, they
often don’t want lots of information.
Make sure you are answering the question
they are asking.
Encourage your children to ask questions.
Know that some kids might need you to
start the conversation. For example, you
might say, “I wonder what you think
about…” or “Sometimes
kids worry about…”
If you are asked a question that you are
not prepared to answer, you can always
respond, "That's a really good question
and I'm going to ask my (doctor, nurse,
social worker) and let you know."
What's New
To Search Pub Med, please see below.
Consumer
and selected health professional journals
Support
& Education Programs
We know that being diagnosed with cancer
can be stressful for you and your family.
We offer a variety of services to help
patients and families gain the support
and information they will need to meet
the challenges ahead.
"Take
Good Care Packs" is
a program for parents living
with cancer and their children.
It gives parents tools and resources
to talk with their children about
what cancer is and how they can
cope as a family together.
Look for the upcoming workshop on "Parenting
With Cancer" and other support, wellness,
and educational programs offered in the
HOPES
calendar.
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