How to Help Children Cope When Living With Cancer

Cancer is a terrifying disease for adults and is even worse for children. When your child is diagnosed with this horrendous condition, you must watch as he undergoes painful tests, experiences the side effects of his treatments and shed tears of fear. You must be there for him though, regardless of your own fears, and help them with his. The following are some ways to help your child through this extremely tough battle in their life.

Instructions

1. Stay with her. All children's hospitals are very accommodating when it comes to setting up a bed in the child's room for a parent. This is extremely important and no matter what sacrifices you have to make to be there, do it. Your child will be experiencing emotions of fear and anger, they will have nights that their body is riddled with pain and days when they are sick from their treatments. You are the only form of consolation she has or wants. It is essential that you be as near as you can be to help her through every day of her battle with cancer.

2. Stay positive. No matter how grim his prognosis may be, you need to remain positive. Cancer treatments do not start and stop with chemo and radiation. The road to becoming cured requires as much mental treatment as medical. If you stay positive your child will instinctively follow your lead. He trusts you as no one else in this world trusts you. This is the one time in his life when all negativity needs to be washed away and be replaced with love and words of encouragement.

3. Decorate her room. Many children suffering from cancer require long term hospital stays. Her room on the ward will become her home away from home so make it what she wants it to be. Hang posters of her favorite singers, bring her favorite books, bring her radio and favorite CDs. Anything that provides her with a sense of comfort.

4. Decorate his head. Many children will lose their hair either due to surgery or chemo and radiation. This, to a child, can be devastating and make him feel self conscious. Buy him decorative bandannas and let him choose his favorite. Another option is the organization called Locks of Love. They take donations of hair from people who care enough about children who have been diagnosed with cancer, to donate hair and have wigs made out of it. They can be contacted at 561-833-7332.

5. Encourage visits from family and friends. Many relatives find it hard to visit someone they love when they are going through the toughest battle of their lives. This is simply because they don't want to see them suffer or see the child exists now. They prefer to remember the vibrant, healthy child they were used to having at Fourth of July picnics. What they need to understand is that this child needs all the love and support she can get from the most important people in her life. She is already isolated enough, due to on-going cancer treatments and a depleted immune system. When her family disappears from her life, she becomes even more depressed, making recovery more of an uphill battle.

6. Be his rock. It can be emotionally draining as you watch your child suffer through the cycle of cancer. There will be times when you are holding him that you will want to burst into tears and scream. But you can't do this in front of your child. When he has other visitors, go outside and cry. Let it all out before you walk into his room. Your child trusts you and hangs on every word you say to him. He is looking for as much comfort as you are. It is imperative to provide it for him. Always have a smile readily available for him, constantly hug him and never cease to tell him how much you love him.