As parents or caregivers of kids with cancer, you take on an immense burden of both supporting yourself and your child under the enormous pressure of cancer. Although it may sometimes feel overwhelming or frightening, keep in mind that CanSER is here to support you and your child on your journey. Here are some tips to better care for your child and yourself during this arduous journey.
Helping your child deal with their diagnosis
Your child’s diagnosis is overwhelming and scary to all members of the family. Kids take cues from their parents and role models for how to view the situation and react. Therefore, maintaining a calm composure and being truthful with them will be the best way to reassure them that they will be okay.
- You know your child best, so share what information you think is appropriate based on their age. Offering reassurance and encouraging questions can help them come to terms with their diagnosis.
- Talk with your child’s healthcare team on how to explain their condition to them and how to answer questions.
- After understanding their diagnosis, prepare them for how their treatment might change their life.
- Especially if your child is older, try and give them choices whenever possible and attempt to maintain some freedom in their life.
- If they are a teenager, give them the same space and freedom they had before and include them in treatment decisions.
Self-care for caretakers
Caring for yourself during this hard time is just as important as caring for your child. It can be easy to forget about caring for yourself, or it might even feel selfish, but remember to credit yourself for all that you are doing. Maintaining your mental and emotional well-being prepares you to care for your child.
- Carve out time for yourself every day to relax or do something enjoyable. Even these small breaks can help you clear your head and de-stress.
- Acknowledge and find ways to express your feelings. You might be feeling sad, scared, guilty, shocked, or angry. It is important to deal with your emotions in a healthy way and maintain your mental health.
- Talk to someone who has experienced something similar. Often, connecting with another parent and having someone to talk to can be the outlet you need to maintain your own health.
CanSER’s Cancer Concierge service offers one-on-one emotional support with another cancer survivor/caregiver that understands what you are going through. Remember, you are not alone. Learn more here.
Further resources
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support/parents
- https://together.stjude.org/en-us/for-families/talking-to-your-child-about-cancer.html
- https://www.cancercare.org/publications/301-advice_for_caregivers_caring_for_yourself_when_your_child_has_cancer
- https://childrenscancer.org/self-care-tips-for-cancer-caregivers/