Page 3 - Family Programming - When a Parent Has Cancer

Introduction At Wellspring, we recognize that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. If you, or someone else in your family has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering how you should handle this with your children. Many questions come up for parents: • Should we tell our children? • Should we use the word ‘cancer’? • How do we go about sharing the information in an age appropriate way? • What if they ask us questions to which we don’t know the answer? • How should I expect them to react when they find out? • How do I support them when I am struggling with my own emotions? This booklet will help you prepare by offering best practices and good advice on how to talk with, and provide support to, your children. In addition to this booklet, Wellspring can offer you access to professionals who specialize in family support. 3