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How to Tell Kids About Chemo

Discussing chemotherapy with a child is never an easy task. Whether your loved one is being treated with cancer or your child, it is important to be honest with the youngster. Your child needs to understand that chemotherapy can cause side effects, which can include nausea and vomiting, and even hair loss. Your child needs to be prepared with the possible effects caused by the chemotherapy. While many parents want to provide what's best for their little one, and even shield their child from harm, children are very perceptive to their parents emotions.

Things You'll Need

  • Books such as "Someone I Love Is Sick" by Kathleen McCue
  • Discussions with your child about cancer and chemo
  • Patience and showing understanding for your child
  • Interactive dolls for your child
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Instructions

  1. Be Honest

    • 1

      Whether a loved one or your child is receiving chemotherapy, your child should know what it is. Chemotherapy can be given in many forms, such as orally, with an IV, or by an injection.

    • 2

      Chemotherapy can cause discomfort if it is administered with an IV or injected. The effects of chemotherapy can also be undesirable. Your child should understand that sometimes getting better may mean being sick for a short time.

    • 3

      It is important to not make your child feel as if there is a crisis at hand. Children are perceptive and will behave in response to how you act.

    • 4

      Don't treat everything as a big secret. Children need to feel trust from a parent; if they feel excluded from what is developing, they will feel isolated.

    Hair Loss

    • 5

      According to Kids Health, chemotherapy not only kills the cells responsible for creating cancer, but healthy cells as well. As a result, your child can experience hair loss with chemotherapy. Explain to your child that receiving chemo may make his or her hair fall out.

    • 6

      Children may become afraid at the prospect of losing their hair, and may even act out because they'll feel different from other children. Reassure your child that his or her hair will grow back.

    • 7

      If you're the one receiving treatment, let your child know why your hair is falling out. Even having your child help you pick out hats, bandanas or wigs can help your child cope with what's going on with your treatment. If they're the ones receiving chemotherapy, let them pick out hats or bandanas that make them feel unique.

    Books & Dolls

    • 8

      There are many children's books that can help you associate with your child. Stories can also help your child open up on the experiences he, she or you may be feeling.

    • 9

      The book "Someone I Love Is Sick" is a remarkable story that can help children understand what cancer and chemotherapy is, and how to cope with the disease. According to "Chemotherapy for Kids," the author of the book, Kathleen McCue, has more than 30 years of experience dealing with children's mental health.

    • 10

      If you're suffering from chemotherapy and are trying to provide information for your child, the story Kemo Shark is a coloring book that talks about what a parent goes through with cancer and chemotherapy. You can download the book for free from KidScope.

    • 11

      Dolls are a great way to not only interact with your child, but to also help your child understand. Using dolls as a form of expression to explain to your child what you may be going through, or what your child can expect, can help make the discussion of chemotherapy and its effects easier.

    • 12

      Kimme dolls are specifically designed for children who have mothers who are undergoing chemotherapy. The dolls have detachable hair and bandanas, and books are also available to help children understand what mommy will be going through.

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