How to Prepare Kids for a Parent’s Cancer-Related Surgery

How can you prepare your kids for a parent's cancer-related surgery?

Cancer patients sometimes need different surgeries as part of their treatment plan. This is a chance to build trust and understanding between you and your kids during your treatment.

Here are simple tips to support your kids through and beyond your surgery.

• Start by being open. This can be hard, but honesty really is the best policy. Let your kids know what to expect using simple words they can understand. Including them in the process might feel tough, but it actually decreases their worry and anxiety.

  • Let's practice: "I am going to have surgery next week. Surgery happens at the hospital or the doctor’s office and is when the patient has their body worked on to help fix a problem or get their body ready for other medicines."

• Clarify expectations. When in doubt, help keep things normal. (Or as close to normal as you can!) You can do this by letting kids know expectations before, during, and after the surgery. What kind of information would help ease your mind? That's a great place to start.

  • Let's practice: Who will take care of your kids? How long will the person be at the hospital? What will be different about you? What do they need to know to be helpful during your recovery?

• Give kids a role. Why? Expressing feelings is healthy! Having a role or outlet with help them feel included, purposeful, and more in control.

  • Let's practice: Draw a picture or make a card for you. Pick out a comfort item for you (or for them!) while their parent is away. Let them help with packing bags or preparing the house.

Want more expert support like this? Check out our schedule for upcoming “How to Talk to Kids About Cancer” webinars from Pickles Group’s expert staff.