Music can make it easier to cope during a child’s cancer experience. Encouraging and exploring different kinds of music can serve as a catalyst to help improve mood. Listening to music can also help with concentration and may even reduce physical discomfort. If your child is feeling up to it, music can assist with emotional expression as well.

Below are some enjoyable activities for young children and teens diagnosed with cancer that use music and movement to encourage self-expression. These activities are easy and can be done while in hospital, at home or anywhere you feel like moving a little or a lot!

Dance like a… (for younger children)

Dance like a bird, a dolphin, a koala, a snake and so much more! 

The aim of this activity is to foster family bonding while encouraging movement, creativity and emotional expression in a safe environment for children.   

This activity can inspire:

What you need:

If your child with cancer is feeling a bit tired, you could change this activity by having everyone sit down and do the actions instead of standing up. 

Songwriting for teenagers

Songwriting is a space where you can express yourself and be creative. It is a wonderful way to turn their feelings and stories into music. Whether you are already a musician, dream of being a performer, love writing poems, or are just really into music, songwriting can put your thoughts and emotions into a creative format.

What you need:

Redkite Music Box offers 18 songwriting activities for you to explore, below are a few ideas: 

These activities are all about having fun while honing your songwriting skills. Get creative and let your music shine. 

For tweens and young teens click here and for older teens click here.

Music can be a fantastic way to help you through cancer treatment. If you ever feel worried about yours or your child’s feelings or mental health, do not hesitate to talk to a professional. They are here to help you. 

Redkite has created the Redkite Box Music program to help you and your family whenever you are at home between hospital visits or after treatment is finished. Even when your child is in hospital, you can use this resource along with the therapeutic activities offered by your registered music therapist.