Redkite Real Talk: Questions kids ask about cancer
Talking with kids about childhood cancer
Finding the right words is not always easy when speaking with children about their big questions and feelings about cancer.
Questions children ask about childhood cancer
Guiding children through cancer conversations requires open, honest and reassuring communication. Natasha, mother of Roman and Vin, shares their story.
Having age-appropriate answers about childhood cancer helps children feel supported.
Impact of childhood cancer on children
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it profoundly affects not only the child but also their siblings, cousins, friends, and classmates. These children may feel confused, shocked, and sad, and they often have many questions about what is happening. It is crucial to provide clear and honest information to help them navigate these emotions. Supporting them with empathy and patience is essential and encouraging them to explore and express their feelings can be a helpful approach.
What support means and how to talk to kids
When children ask about childhood cancer, it can evoke unexpected emotions, making it challenging to find the right words. Providing a safe space for open, honest, and reassuring discussions is crucial in helping them develop coping tools and emphasising the importance of empathy and friendship. Using age-appropriate language and having a solid understanding of the facts ensures that children feel supported and understood. A helpful strategy is to gauge the child’s current level of understanding about cancer by asking them what they already know, which can also be a good conversation starter.
How Redkite can help
We understand that when a child aged 18 or younger is diagnosed with cancer, a whole community feels the impact. Redkite’s team of social workers are childhood cancer specialists and are here to support everyone affected by a child’s diagnosis; from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
Our services include:
- Free counselling for children and adults
- Specialist information and resources
- KiteCrew app to help loved ones organise support for affected families
- Free library of books to borrow
- Financial assistance for affected families
- Support groups for children, parents and grandparents
Live chat
Live online customer service chat is available to guide you with the resources and information you need.
Anyone who may be impacted by a child and family facing childhood cancer can contact us.
Live chat is available Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm AEST
When local community and nationally specialised support, like Redkite, work together, a family’s outcomes are much improved.
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm (AEST)
We’re here to support you in many ways…
Empowering you
We have a range of information on our website that can help you better understand and support a family throughout their childhood cancer experience.
Supporting you
We help extended family members and friends (adults and children) face the emotional effects of childhood cancer by providing free counselling, social work and more.
Helping you help them
Sometimes, it can be hard to ask for help. Redkite’s mobile app, KiteCrew, is a tool you can use to help a family with the day-to-day tasks that are left behind when they’re focused on their child’s care.
Talk to us
Our friendly support team are here to answer your questions and help you access any support you may need. You can contact us via phone, email or webchat.
The power of books with Redkite Book Club
Books help you talk to children about their big feelings.
Storytelling is a wonderful way to start the conversation in a way that is safe, age-appropriate and helpful for your child. Our Book Club program has over 80 books that can help you through the cancer experience. Give us a call and we can talk you through the different titles and help you choose.
Request information And support
We’re ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
