How To Support Kids Through the Unexpected When a Parent Has Cancer
Having a parent with cancer means supporting kids through the unexpected.
An unplanned hospitalization.
A canceled outing.
A change to holiday traditions.
When you face the unexpected, shift your mindset from making kids "happy" or "fixing things” to supporting or “being there” for your kids.
Often times what kids actually need is support - not solutions.
Try these three Pickles fundamentals when facing the unexpected:
Listen: Try to understand what they’re thinking and wondering about.
Validate: Be responsive to what you see and hear from them. For example: “I know this is hard.” “I see that you’re disappointed. I am too.”
Reassure: “We will try again when dad is feeling better.” “I wish this didn’t happen.”
By practicing being there instead of feeling like you need to fix or solve, facing the unexpected during cancer can be a learning opportunity and a chance to grow closer to your kids.
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.
