Resources
Parenting through cancer
Parents go through a rollercoaster of emotions when their child is diagnosed with cancer. Below are some ideas on how you can support yourself and your family.
From diagnosis to treatment, through to end of treatment, the parenting journey changes. Parents of a diagnosed child may experience a strong range of emotions such as anxiety, stress, overwhelm along with uncertainty about their child’s future.
How family life can change after a cancer diagnosis
The childhood cancer experience is different for every family. The family dynamics can change after diagnosis, with each parent taking on a different role from what they are normally used to, and this can be an emotionally challenging time for every member of a family.
One parent may have to quit their job to be full time carer and the other parent may have to take on the majority of the household responsibilities and looking after their other children.
Younger children diagnosed with cancer sometimes talk about feeling left out of discussions or decisions, while older children might have issues with losing their independence or finding their parents becoming overly protective. Sometimes siblings feel forgotten and feel like different expectations have been set for them, such as behaving perfectly or helping more than they usually would with household chores. Siblings can feel angry or annoyed when they see special treatment being given to their diagnosed brother or sister.
How you can support your children
You have an important role in your children’s lives and you can support your them by:
Being a good listener is quite a skill and it can really help you understand what your child is thinking or feeling. Here are some things you can do to improve:
Routine and consistency for the family
Cancer treatment takes time and each day may present different challenges. It can be easy to let your child push boundaries during this time and this is completely normal because sometimes you need to do whatever it takes to get through the day.
There can be a lot of change, so consistency and routine are important.
Check in with each other consistently. Depending on your child’s treatment and how they are feeling physically, encourage them to stay involved in as many of their regular activities as they are able to, including household chores.
Looking after yourself
When your child has cancer, and life has suddenly come to a halt, it’s important to look after yourself, stay healthy, both physically, emotionally and mentally. It might seem difficult to find time for your own needs, but it will help you and the people around you.
Parents can become overprotective with their child when they are diagnosed with cancer. For younger children, this can be uncomfortable and they feel they are being ‘babied’. A teenager or young adult who is already used to having independence, may feel overwhelmed with the increase of attention on them. The challenge is to find a balance between being protective and being over-protective.
Each parent’s experience is unique, and we hope this article gives you some ideas and helps explain some of the feelings and emotions parents facing childhood cancer may go through.
Please remember that Redkite is here to support you as you help care for a family facing childhood cancer. You can contact us here.
Cancer makes everyone feel disempowered, but good communication 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
How to tell your child about their cancer diagnosis
“In conversations with children, don’t make an assumption about how they’re feeling and what they understand. It’s important to let them express themselves in a way that’s right for them.”
How to tell your child about their cancer diagnosis
“In conversations with children, don’t make an assumption about how they’re feeling and what they understand. It’s important to let them express themselves in a way that’s right for them.”
How can siblings of children with cancer be involved in their care?
How can parents involve siblings effectively in the whole care and treatment process without overwhelming them?
How can siblings of children with cancer be involved in their care?
How can parents involve siblings effectively in the whole care and treatment process without overwhelming them?
Your voice matters: We’re here to listen
Welcome to our Redkite Social Work Series, where our social workers share real-life experiences and insights from families navigating the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Your voice matters: We’re here to listen
Welcome to our Redkite Social Work Series, where our social workers share real-life experiences and insights from families navigating the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Taking care of yourself: Physically, mentally and emotionally
Self-care when your child is in hospital looks different for everyone. It’s about finding what recharges you and gives you energy mentally, physically and emotionally.
Taking care of yourself: Physically, mentally and emotionally
Self-care when your child is in hospital looks different for everyone. It’s about finding what recharges you and gives you energy mentally, physically and emotionally.
