- How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness by Kathleen McCue (1994)
- A Tiny Boat at Sea by Izetta Smith, MA, CGT (2000)
- Someone I Love is Sick: Helping Very Young Children Cope with Cancer in the Family, Parent Version by Kathleen McCue (2009).
- Frankly Speaking, What Do I Tell the Kids (PDF) from the Cancer Support Community
- When a Parent has Cancer A Guide to Caring for Your Children by Wendy Schlessel Harpham (2004)
Every family has their own way to discuss difficult topics in a way that makes sense to them and their situation. When it comes to talking about cancer, parents can find themselves at a loss for how to start the conversation with their children. To fill this need, we put together this list of resources that offer different ways to support and educate children about a cancer diagnosis, its treatment, and side effects.
How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness by Kathleen McCue (1994)
Kathleen McCue offers broad direction on parenting children through any parental illness. This resource provides guidance for parents on supporting their children and helping them cope with the many challenges and changes illness brings. McCue’s practical advice, deep understanding of development, and supportive strategies provide tools that a parent can adapt to a variety of situations.
A Tiny Boat at Sea by Izetta Smith, MA, CGT (2000)
Izetta Smith, a certified grief counselor, provides information in her booklet on how to talk to children at various stages of the cancer journey including diagnosis, treatment, and end of life. This is an easy to use guide that is not overwhelming in size or information.
Someone I Love is Sick: Helping Very Young Children Cope with Cancer in the Family, Parent Version by Kathleen McCue (2009).
This customizable book allows the caregiver to choose the sections that apply to their family’s specific needs. This book is an excellent tool to use as a way to understand a child’s experience and support them through it.
Frankly Speaking, What Do I Tell the Kids (PDF) from the Cancer Support Community
This free downloadable version of the book by the Cancer Support Community provides information on what children understand about cancer, common questions they have, and strategies for answering these questions.
When a Parent has Cancer A Guide to Caring for Your Children by Wendy Schlessel Harpham (2004)
This book is written by physician, mother, and cancer survivor Wendy Schlessel and offers parents the tools to support children through the potential upheaval of a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. This book is also accompanied by a companion book for children, “Becky and the Worry Cup,” that promotes healthy communication and activities to support the expression of feelings.
The Cancer Journey for Parents
How do you tell your child that someone close to them has cancer? What do you say about treatments, or prognosis? Here are some articles that can help.
