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Tips to Help Teach Your Kids About Cancer

By April 19, 2016No Comments

When someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to talk to your children about what to expect and the seriousness of the disease. It’s also important to be there for them and let them express their feelings. They might handle the news differently, so it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication.

CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization, provides valuable advice and tips for helping those diagnosed with cancer as well as their family members and loved ones. The organization provides counseling and family workshops that help bring families together during a cancer diagnosis. The organization also offers great tips for keeping your child informed when someone in the family receives a cancer diagnosis.

How to Teach Your Child about Cancer

Prepare what you will say.

Many parents find it extremely helpful to practice or list what they will say when they explain a cancer diagnosis to a child. Try to have these conversations together as a family, so the child feels supported by all their family members.

Set the tone.

Some parents recommend choosing a time of day in which their child is rested and calm. Starting the conversation during this time will lead to better results. Once you start the conversation, it is just as important to set the tone. Not only does it matter what you say, but also how you say it. During this time, it’s okay to show your emotions. This will let your child know that it is okay to express their emotions in a healthy way. Do not talk longer than they can listen, and let them know that they can ask any questions they need to at any time.

Consider your child’s age.

As you speak with a child, it is also essential to keep their age and maturity level in mind. Younger children have shorter attention spans and cannot sit still for long periods of time.

When speaking about a cancer diagnosis, use simple and concrete terms that they will understand. Be prepared to answer questions. Some children, depending on their age, will have more questions than others. This is okay, and it can be good for you to discover answers together.

Ask professionals for help.

If you need guidance before addressing your child with a discussion about cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone for support. Organizations like CancerCare, can provide assistance to anyone who needs advice in this area. You can also join support groups in your area. Locally, The Caring Place, a program of Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, offers support groups for adults and children who have been touched by cancer.  Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada is also available to provide support and resources for every cancer patient.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are here to provide treatment, support, advice and resources for every cancer patient, and their families. Together, we can fight and beat cancer, one family at a time.  

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