How to Help Children Cope With Father's Cancer & Death
Dealing with the possibility that a person's cancer may ultimately result in death is never easy to grasp or realize for any person, especially children. Even though you may have prepared yourself to answer your children's questions about their father's death, dealing with the issue head on is often more difficult than it seems.
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Instructions
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Young Children
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Be as clear as possible when talking about the death of their father or the possibility that he might die soon. Since young children usually have a literal view of the world (especially before age 6), it would be best to avoid cliches such as "passed away" or went to a "better place" as many children won't be able to understand what that means right away.
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2
Answer all the questions you get honestly and with care. Even if you think a child's question may be too difficult, don't over-think or over-analyze the answer that you give. For example, children will be wondering why their father is laying in bed much of the time or sick all the time, but giving your children honest answers is most appropriate instead of lying or making up excuses.
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Spend quality time with your children and give them extra attention and love. Even though you are probably also grieving, making sure that your child knows that you are available is of utmost importance as well, so that they will have someone to talk to.
Helping Teenagers Cope
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Reach out to your teen to make sure that all of their questions or concerns are addressed concerning the cancer or death of their father. Make yourself available to your teens and assure them that you are available to talk anytime.
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Encourage your teenagers to feel and express their emotions during the time that their loved one is suffering from cancer or if he has already died. Teenagers often feel as though they have to 'be strong,' but they should be told that experiencing feelings, emotions, and crying during the grieving process is perfectly okay.
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Seek help from a counselor or therapist if you think that your teen needs extra help in dealing with his or her father's death or cancer. Sometimes teenagers feel that they can't talk to their parents and a trusted adviser such as a counselor or even teacher may be needed.
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