Talking with Children and Families

Children often know when something serious is affecting the family and people they are close to. It is important to give them the chance to talk openly about their fears and worries.

Wanting to protect children from difficult news, worry and distress is natural. There may be concerns about not knowing the answers to questions or not knowing the right words to explaining what is happening.

It may feel like conversations with children will bring home the reality of the situation when you are still struggling to come to terms with it yourself. But not explaining what is happening may make them feel more vulnerable.

Taking time to cope with your own feelings before talking to your children and family is important. It can be helpful to speak to your nurse specialist before beginning conversations. It can also be useful to have some time with a Psychologist to think about your worries and plan of how to talk to children and families.

Useful resources

NHS (National Health Service)
https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/cancer/Pages/Talkingtokidsaboutcancer.aspx

Macmillan
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/talking-about-cancer/talking-to-children

Maggie's
Talking to children | Maggie's (maggies.org)

Firefly
Firefly Cancer Awareness and Support (firefly-support.co.uk)

Video
Someone in my family has cancer: A video for kids and parents HD - YouTube