Talking with your child or adolescent about your own or a loved one’s illness may be difficult to imagine, and many adults struggle with how to break the news and answer their child’s questions. We understand, and are prepared to help you every step of the way.
Healing Tree Counselors understand the difficulties parents face when balancing the roles of being a parent and a patient, caregiver, or other loved one dealing with the impact of cancer. You can access guidance and support from a Healing Tree counselor at any point, or schedule a visit by phone (207.795.8250).
To help with questions you may have about communicating about cancer with the young people in your life, the Healing Tree has compiled suggestions and advice from experts in the fields of child life, mental health, and oncology. Providing open and honest information as early as possible will help your child or adolescent to feel safe and involved and will establish the trust he/she will need to deal with unavoidable stress now and in the future.
Below are some helpful resources from the Healing Tree:
Supporting Grieving Children
Preparing for a Death
Helping Teens Cope
Helping Children Cope
You may also find it helpful to borrow books from our lending library, which includes books for different ages on cancer and changes in the family. We also have educational parenting books available for adults and caregivers who are supporting youth through this experience.
Recommendations from a Healing Tree counselor are available upon request.
