It is never easy to talk about cancer and much less with a child. Whether you are helping your child cope with hearing about a friend or family member being diagnosed with cancer, keep these five tips in mind.

Be Honest and speak in a language the child can understand (no secrecy and no alarmist remarks". It is okay to say "I don't know."
Let them ask questions and answer them as accurately as possible. Consider their age and experience with cancer.
Let them know that cancer is not contagious and that no one did anything wrong. Many young children will need reassurance of this.
Ask them what they know and be prepared to listen. Be prepared to discuss death with them.
Help the child understand side effects of cancer and what to expect as "normal" throughout this process.

This is a difficult topic to manage but also an important one that cannot be ignored. Keeping a normal routine, open communication, being patient and honest with your child will help reduce any fear and/or anxiety your child may be experiencing, and will help reassure them that they are loved and cared for.

For more information contact: Christina Guerrero, MSW @ 509-670-6627

Helpful online resources are the American Cancer Society or cancer.net