Advice for Parents of Children With Cancer

I believe that it is important for all family members to participate in some form of therapy. This is especially true of parents as they have the worry and fears of knowing the realities of the situtation and have to remain strong for the children, as well as for each other. In the sanctity of a therapist's office, parents can release the feelings that they have to suppress in order to work through the situation in front of them. - burberryhoney on 1/17/2012 

I agree with the information in the link about advice for parents of children with cancer because this is a highly-emotional and stressful situation that could lead to mental challenges within the family members. It goes along the lines of "take care of yourself before you take care of others" because the other family members need to balance taking care of themselves as well as the child with cancer. - v-dawg on 1/17/2012 

Use your support system! You may be surprised how many people are willing to help. Don't turn them away. It may be hard to accept help but remember this is for your child as well as you. Sometimes something as simple as a clean house can provide some support and a sense of relief. - Plattsmouth Home Pri on 1/23/2012 

A key point to remember, and one that is often forgotten, is that when a child has cancer it affects the entire family. The treatment program for a child with cancer should address the needs of the entire family circle. The siblings of a cancer victim are offer relegated to the status of the “forgotten” as resources are directed to providing treatment to the victim. Be sure to keep sibling feeling a part of the family and participating in some form of therapy, be it casual or formal. - AQ1234 on 1/31/2012 

If your child has cancer, be sure you have someone - a pastor, priest, friend or trusted relative - that you can talk openly and honestly with. Parents want to protect their children from suffering - not witness helplessly; this can be very painful - and also very stressful on a marriage. Talking about the pain will help you share it with someone. - rainydays on 2/6/2012 

Parents dealing with a child who has cancer must put the bravery mask on. Children sense your fear and worry. You'll want to talk openly and honestly to your child about the possibilities that could and may happen. They seem to be braver than we are during these times. I highly recommend support groups that include the entire family. Most importantly, treat your child as you would any of your other children, they want to live a "normal" life too. - AmerieCarter on 2/14/2012 

Remember that you are still a person, not just the parent of a child with cancer. Of course your child's care must come first, but when you have time, let yourself breathe and perhaps even do something you enjoy. You need to stay strong while your child battles this disease, and you can only do that if you take care of yourself as well. - MasterSeal on 2/21/2012 

Finding activities and things to do in order to help the child forget about their cancer is the best choice to make as a parent. It is hard enough being young, but the constant reminder of visits and treatment can affect a child's mind and make for a depressing life. Fill this life full of love, fun and affection at all times. - sefdrdf on 2/27/2012 

I think it is important to keep your and your child's life as "normal" as possible. I agree with the previous post of putting the child in extracurricular activities, but not for the reason to get their mind off of their illness because that is not possible. These activities are important so they can make friends and get some exercise. - SRFrank1107 on 3/23/2012 

It is very stressful for parents who have a child with cancer. You have to focus most of your attention on that child's needs, while feeling guilty for not giving your other children attention. See if you can get a family member to be with your sick child one day a week so you can devote some time to your other children. - carolois on 3/27/2012 

I agree that family is important to help in the process of your child's cancer and treatment. I also think it is very good to have a counselor to talk to or support group for parents of children with cancer. - searose on 3/30/2012 

Try as much as possible to keep the child's routines going. Maintain family activities, keep the child in school if possible. Keep up everyday life to take the child's mind off the disease. - Anonymous on 4/3/2012 

I feel that the best advice for parents of children with cancer is to be extremely supportive and honest with the children and what their cancer means. It is best to treat the child as much like a grown up as possible. - Jononoj4 on 4/7/2012