Resources
New Year: Finding balance and new routines
The new year can bring both challenges and opportunities to explore routines that work best for your family. Below are some strategies you can use from your child’s diagnosis to post treatment.
The cancer journey brings many transitions, and each stage involves unique adjustments for families. Whether your child has recently been diagnosed, is undergoing treatment, or has completed treatment, finding balance can feel overwhelming.
Every family navigates these stages differently, and it’s okay to find your own way. What works for one family may not work for another, and that’s perfectly normal.
When Your Child is Newly Diagnosed
The period following your child’s diagnosis is often described by parents as a time of shock and uncertainty. Parents share they felt numb, on autopilot, or on an emotional rollercoaster. Life changes rapidly, and routines can feel challenging to maintain.
It’s completely understandable to focus on what feels most important and let go of tasks that don’t feel essential right now. Some normalcy can be helpful – especially for siblings – but it’s important to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these changes. It’s okay to take things one step at a time as you find what works best for your family.
Here are some strategies to consider:
During Treatment
Parents often describe this stage as “survival mode.” Daily life might revolve around the hospital, but there are some things you can do to ease the transition and make it more comfortable.
Post-Treatment
This stage is often a time for reflection, processing, and rebuilding. Many parents describe it as finding a “new normal,” – a process that takes time and patience.
Self-Care
Looking after yourself can help you feel more equipped to support your child and family. Self-care doesn’t need to be perfect or elaborate—small, meaningful steps can go a long way.
Counselling is available for children and teens (aged 0-18) diagnosed with cancer and their families. Redkite is here to listen and support you as you navigate the changes and emotions that cancer brings. Please reach out to learn more about how we can help.
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.
Related resources
Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music
Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.
Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music
Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.
Kite Breathing for kids
Kite Breathing is an activity you can do when you are feeling anxious.
Kite Breathing for kids
Kite Breathing is an activity you can do when you are feeling anxious.
Activities for Mum and me
We are celebrating mums everywhere! We have some fun and creative activities for you to do with your child.
Activities for Mum and me
We are celebrating mums everywhere! We have some fun and creative activities for you to do with your child.
Why is music therapy important for children?
As we celebrate World Music Therapy Week, we sit down with Senior Social Worker, Dana, and talk about how music therapy is helping children and families going through childhood cancer.
Why is music therapy important for children?
As we celebrate World Music Therapy Week, we sit down with Senior Social Worker, Dana, and talk about how music therapy is helping children and families going through childhood cancer.
