How Children Can Play a Role in a Support Network

Many people often make the mistake of not including their children when it comes to sharing grave medical news. In my book, "Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer," Jeannie Ann overhears her parents discussing their loved one's cancer diagnosis.

Jeannie, only six years old, doesn't understand cancer and its effects on the body. 

However, after her mother explains the disease to her and how it develops, little Jeannie Ann starts playing an unexpected caregiver role in her grandma's support network. She visits her grandma, asks her questions, and even helps her look pretty after she lost all her hair from chemotherapy.

While we can't expect our children to be primary caregivers. They can still play a comforting role for our loved ones. Here are some ways how they can play a role in a support network:

1. They can provide a distraction.

Children are naturally curious. They ask many questions to understand how the world works around them. When it comes to their loved ones having cancer, children can provide a comforting distraction by asking questions, sharing stories, and playing games.

That is not to say that children should keep on talking. Alternatively, teaching them to stay silent when they don't know what to say is alright as long as they show they care.

2. They can help make get-well cards.

Children often have a limited vocabulary when expressing their sympathies and feelings. To help lift your loved ones up, consider suggesting that your child make get-well cards. Let them express their creativity and let them know that their relative appreciates their sweet gestures.

3. They can help with post-treatment.

Jeannie Ann helps her grandmother adjust to her hair loss by helping her mother wrap beautiful scarves around her head. You can teach your child the fundamentals of caregiving by listening to their suggestions on what hats or scarves your relative may prefer after chemotherapy.

A child's innocence can provide a sweet distraction from the emotional pain of a cancer diagnosis. However, adults must learn when to give their children certain information about the condition. When you teach children to be compassionate and empathetic, they become kind and well-grounded adults in the future.

by Diane Davies