Common Questions Kids Ask About Cancer
It's natural for kids to have questions about their parent's cancer diagnosis. Kids are curious, inquisitive, creative learners; and developing an understanding of the world around them helps kids feel safer, more grounded, and more secure.
Without information kids can create their own narratives about tough situations like when a parent is sick. That’s why providing kids with open, age-appropriate information helps them cope and minimizes their stress. This is true even when answers aren't perfect and even when there aren't answers yet.
When facing a parent's cancer diagnosis, four common questions from children that come up across age ranges are:
Can I catch it?
Did I cause it?
Can I cure it?
Who will take care of me?
Some of these questions have clear answers: cancer isn’t contagious. No one caused cancer. The doctors are working hard to get me the best medicine to get rid of my cancer. Your aunts and uncles are here for you if I can’t be around.
When answers aren’t as clear, it’s also okay to say “I don’t know” and come back to the topic when you’re ready.
Knowing that these questions may be top of mind for children of all ages affected by a parent’s cancer can help foster open, age-appropriate conversations that will build trust within your family and support your kids’ wellbeing.
Take advantage of more support and resources designed by experts for families like yours. Check out our schedule for upcoming webinars by to support parents navigating cancer led by our expert team. You can also order your free Pickles Family Cancer Support Kit, and enroll your kids in our peer-to-peer programs for kids affected by their parent’s cancer.
