Being away from home, family, and friends, can also be difficult for a child to cope with. Understandably, this can have an effect on their behaviour. They may become very clingy, argumentative, or difficult.
Maintaining normal discipline during this time is reassuring for your child and can help them feel more secure.
Treatment may cause changes in their appearance, such as weight loss or gain, or hair loss. These changes can affect their confidence, especially for older children and teenagers
Talking to your child
One of the hardest parts of caring for a child with cancer is knowing what to say and how much information to give them.
Answering questions honestly is best. Some children may not ask questions, but this doesn’t mean they don’t want to know what’s happening. They may be frightened and uncertain of many things. Some children may even wonder if they have done something wrong and that’s why they have cancer.
You can ask your doctors or nurses for guidance on how to talk to your child. There are also booklets available from CCLG, Young Lives vs Cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support that can help you explain the illness and treatment.
Younger children may be frightened about being separated from their parents. It’s important to reassure them that any separation is only temporary. Older children may be more frightened of pain. It can help to explain that there are good painkillers available to help control any pain they have. Doctors and nurses will be happy to explain more about this and can help you reassure your child.