One of the first things a parent says after a cancer diagnosis is, “How am I going to tell my child?” You are not alone. Navigating a loved one's cancer journey can be especially challenging for children, which is why at our outpatient oncology practice, we extend our care to support these young hearts and minds. When a parent or grandparent faces cancer, children often grapple with uncertainty, fear, and questions about what's happening. Overhearing serious discussions, talking to their peers about their own experiences, or having been through another family member’s cancer diagnosis before can put additional weight of anxiety on a young or adolescent child. To assist families in this journey, we've curated a resource hub specifically designed to help these children understand, cope, and find moments of joy amidst difficult times.
Our online page is a supportive space offering a range of tools, from coloring pages to engaging activities tailored for various age groups. These resources not only distract but also serve as a therapeutic outlet, allowing children to express themselves creatively and understand complex emotions in a gentle, approachable manner.
Furthermore, we provide guidance on how to talk to kids about cancer, offering insights and tips to ensure these conversations are honest, gentle, and age-appropriate. Open communication is key in helping children comprehend and process the changes in their family dynamics. The social story is designed to help explain a little about cancer to a child who has a parent who has been diagnosed with it and can be a really helpful resource for parents struggling with this discussion.
Understanding the immense impact on a child's emotional well-being, we also offer in-house counseling services. Our dedicated social worker specializes in supporting families dealing with the stress and confusion that often come with a loved one's cancer journey. Through age-appropriate counseling and guidance, we aim to provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and concerns, fostering resilience and coping skills.
At our practice, we believe in supporting the entire family unit, acknowledging the unique challenges children face when a parent or grandparent battles cancer. The family calendar is a great resource to assist with planning and sharing responsibilities and the coping activities provided can also be really helpful for the entire family.
Our goal is to provide not just medical care, but comprehensive support that nurtures the emotional well-being of every member of the family.