REsources: When Your Child Isn’t Going To Get Better
When Your Child Isn’t Going To Get Better is a booklet created by Redkite social workers in collaboration with bereaved parents, sharing real experiences of life after the death of a child.
This booklet is part of a series, adapted from CLIC Sargent by Redkite. This series includes:
Download this booklet or
order a physical copy below
Being told your child is not going to get better is something no parent should ever have to hear. There is nothing that could ever prepare you for those words or make them feel less heavy. Whether this news has come over time or arrived suddenly, it can feel impossible to take in. Hearing it spoken aloud can feel as though time has stopped, leaving you numb, disoriented, and heartbroken.
Some parents describe feeling as if the world continues to move while their own life stands still. Others say they move through the days feeling disconnected, as though they are watching life unfold from a distance. Itās okay if your mind struggles to take in this news. You may swing between shock, sadness, fear, denial, or moments of calm.
Some parents want to ask every question right away, hoping to understand the details and start making plans. Others need time to sit with the reality of this news, unable to process the enormity of whatās happening straight away. You may want company, or you may need time alone.
This moment may also bring up spiritual, cultural, and deeply personal questions. These can shape what care looks like for your family, and what matters most in the time ahead. Your care team can help you explore these questions in line with your values.
There is no wrong or right way to navigate this. You may find yourself moving between seeking information and retreating into quiet moments of reflection. Or you may simply need space to breathe before taking any next steps.
You go through stages of just being numb. And then the anger kicks in. Blaming other people. What did she do to deserve that? Why? Why?
Order a booklet
You may be wondering how to face whatās ahead, how to prepare yourself, how to talk with your child with cancer, or how to support your other children. You may not feel ready to face those conversations or decisions, and thatās okay. There is no roadmap, and no one expects you to have all the answers. Take what helps, leave what doesnāt, and come back whenever you need.
Whatever is ahead, please know you are not alone. Your childās care team and Redkiteās social workers are here to walk alongside you, at your pace. We hope the words in this booklet can offer some support whenever you need them.
Redkite is here for you and your whole family
Request information And support
Weāre ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon ā Fri 9am ā 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
Related resources
Coffee Groups for bereaved parents and carers
Regular virtual coffee groups for bereaved families
Coffee Groups for bereaved parents and carers
Regular virtual coffee groups for bereaved families
Living Without Your Child
Living without your child is a nine-page booklet written using the real experiences of bereaved parents about life after your child dies.
Living Without Your Child
Living without your child is a nine-page booklet written using the real experiences of bereaved parents about life after your child dies.
When Your Child Dies
When your child dies is a nine-page booklet written using the real experiences of bereaved parents about life after your child dies.
When Your Child Dies
When your child dies is a nine-page booklet written using the real experiences of bereaved parents about life after your child dies.
Melanie, Emily and Lucy: Coping with grief and lossĀ
Queensland mother of two, Melanie, shares her story of loss and grief and what life is like now for her and her two daughters.
Melanie, Emily and Lucy: Coping with grief and lossĀ
Queensland mother of two, Melanie, shares her story of loss and grief and what life is like now for her and her two daughters.
