Do you have any advice for how to talk to children about cancer?
Do you consider your child’s age and developmental stage? Some children may be too young to verbalize their thoughts and others might be too afraid to ask. What are your tips for talking to family members about cancer?
I wish I had more tips! I do not, however. Right now, my daughter is 5. She doesn’t know the whole story, but she picks up on stuff. She was especially curious around my major surgeries and was more aware of something going on. I am working on integrating my clinic life with my home life, specifically with more interaction with my kiddo in clinic. It’s going to be tough but it’s something she deserves to know, and find out from me- not secondhand.
My son is 9 and very intuitive and bright. I was honest with him and told him mommy has cancer and would be getting medicine to treat the cancer. I told him Mom was doing everything possible to stay strong, but She would have some bad days and may have to rest a lot. I assured him that mom and dad are here for him and he would not be left alone. We did not discuss mortality, just assured him he would never be abandoned. I asked him if he had any questions or worries. He didn’t at the time, but I check in with him periodically to discuss feelings. The cancer center zi go to has a lot of resources for kids dealing with a parent with cancer.
