When a child is diagnosed

Whether fatherhood is a new and exciting experience celebrating your firstborn or you’re a seasoned dad with children of varying ages, each journey has its own special uniqueness. Every dad will face different experiences and challenges throughout their lives. 

Dads with children diagnosed with cancer may feel overlooked when it comes to mental and emotional support.  

In general, the way a dad copes and responds to his child’s initial diagnosis and the adjustment to treatment and life afterward, is often less recognised or acknowledged compared to that of mothers.  

For dads, the impacts of childhood cancer could extend to their: 

Often the dad is the one who carries the burden and responsibility of the family on his shoulders and feels like he needs to be strong and stoic and not show emotions or weakness.  

In many situations, mothers often step away from their jobs to care for their child in hospital, shifting the financial responsibility onto fathers. This increased load can leave dads feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and uncertain about the future. The added emotional strain can significantly impact both a dad’s mental health and the overall wellbeing of the family during this challenging time.  

Redkite counselling

With the Redkite counselling sessions, you and your social worker will discuss what you want to talk about, setting the agenda and the pace. It’s also completely confidential. Our social worker will begin by getting to know you and your family situation, spend time discussing   the things that are on your mind and exploring strategies to cope as needed. Then, if you like, will set a time to meet you again in future. 

Counselling is available over the phone or online. We can also meet face-to-face at one of our Redkite offices.  

Dad, Karl, who accessed Redkite’s counselling services said, “We both found that during difficult times, support came from many sources, including professionals, our church community, and each other. I also received support from a Redkite social worker. 

Redkite provided us a book was particularly helpful.  Reading about the thoughts and feelings of others made me feel less alone and I realised I wasn’t the only person going through this. It wasn’t abnormal for me to be having these thoughts.”

“All my focus was on looking after Brooke, when your child is sick it’s all that matters, and you can neglect your own and your wife’s wellbeing.  It’s such a help to talk to someone who is speaking to people in your situation every day. 

I also needed to stop working and spend time with Brooke – I didn’t want to have any regrets.” 

Redkite’s social workers provide a safe space for dads like Karl to express their feelings, manage strong emotions, and cope with the impact cancer has on family and relationships. 

Redkite also has Connect Group for Dads 

This Connect Group for Dads is an informal online catch-up for dads where they can meet and talk to other dads of children with cancer. 

Topics include: 

This group is for you if: 

Redkite plays a crucial role in supporting emotional and mental health and well-being, not only through therapeutic support like counselling, but also through the provision of specialised “Connect Groups” for adults. These are held in person or online, encouraging parents to openly share and explore their emotions and experiences with their peers.

For more information on counselling, click here.