It is quite upsetting and confusing for kids to know that a family member has cancer. More so, if the person is a grandparent or a sibling. Children feel anxious and stressed out when they sense that something important is being hidden from them. At this time, parents need to protect their children from fear and help them deal with the situation.
How to Explain Cancer to Kids of Different Ages
Children of different ages need to be tackled differently. As a parent, you must help the children understand the disease and comfort them.
Talking to three-year-old kids:
Children at this age are utterly confused when you try to explain cancer to them. They have a hard time understanding the illness.
Kids of this age get easily puzzled if there is a change in the routine. They feel simply abandoned if they don’t see their loved ones near them.
At this time, you have to frequently reassure your kid by cuddling and hugging him. You can explain to your little one in the simplest terms about the disease. Likewise, try to maintain the routine as much as possible.
Talking to six-year-old kids
It is not easy to explain cancer to six-year-olds. They often assume that like cough or cold, they may also catch cancer.
Your kid may go back to his old behaviour or show a bad temper. Your little one may have changes in sleeping patterns too. At this time, you can reassure your child that cancer is not contagious.
You can tenderly explain cancer to your kid through some play or artwork. That way, it will help to reduce his uneasiness.
Talking to 12-year-old kids
Describing cancer to 12-year-old kids is delightful as they are able to understand the disease better. As a parent, try not to subdue them with information. Repeat the explanations if your kids ask for it and be prepared to answer their questions.
Your children may not express their anxiety to you as they may be afraid to upset their loved ones. At this stage, encourage your kids to express their views.
You can also help your child by making him involved in after-school activities and sports. Remind your child that it is okay to have fun.
How to Talk to Kids About Cancer
Be honest with your kid
Your kid may show nervousness if he knows that something is hidden from him. Some kids may try to overhear the conversation and may become worried if they misunderstand the facts.
It is important that you try to be honest and open with your kid so that he may not have any apprehensions about the disease.
Decide what you want to say
Before you start your conversation, prepare yourself as to what you would want to say to your kids. You can discuss it with your close relative, partner or friend.
You can also take the help of your older sibling so that he can assist you in convincing the younger children. Try to have these conversations together so that all the members of the family can support each other.
Speak in a reassuring voice
As a parent, be careful as you share the information with your kids.
Set the tone of the conversation by speaking in a calm and reassuring voice. Gently make your kids understand the stages of the disease that the family member is suffering from.
Use simple words to make your kids understand
Try to explain in simple words the different stages of cancer to your kid. It will help him understand the basics of cancer that the family member is living through.
For instance, you can tell your child that the person he loves most is suffering from lung cancer. Let your child know the part that is affected, the effects of treatment and how their lives are going to change. The knowledge of these basics will help your child to be prepared for the consequences.
Justify the physical changes
Children can be scared when they see the physical changes in the person whom they love. It could be vomiting, tiredness, weight changes or hair loss.
Kids may think that their loved ones are going to die or fear that they may catch the illness. It could be terrifying psychologically for a kid. At this stage, as a parent, you can let your kids know that the physical changes are the side effects of the cancer treatment and that it is normal in such circumstances.
Allow your child to express their feelings
As the family member undergoes the treatment, allow your child to express his feelings. It will help children to reduce their levels of anxiety.
For instance, you can set up a fixed time to spend with your kids to answer their queries. Answer them honestly and help your children to overcome their fears, anxiety, and concerns.
Often, kids may blame themselves for causing their loved one’s illness. As a parent, reassure your kids that they are not guilty of causing the cancer. Try to comfort them as much as you can with your soothing words.
Conclusion
It is normal for kids, irrespective of their age to express their feelings. You can help them to clear up any misinformation that they have in their mind.
Reassure your kids that despite their loved one’s illness, their needs will continue to be met. Be honest with them and have frequent conversations so that they feel emotionally secure.
