FOUR TIPS ON HOW TO EXPLAIN YOUR BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO YOUR KID

FOUR TIPS ON HOW TO EXPLAIN YOUR BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO YOUR KID

As a parent, it is always difficult to find the right words to say. When an issue arises, it can be hard to explain to a child on a level they can understand. Explaining a breast cancer diagnosis to a small child can be frightening and heartbreaking. But what I have found in my journey is that is all about your approach. Here are four tips on how to explain your breast cancer diagnosis to your child:

 

Be positive

Although it’s difficult to be positive, it’s crucial when dealing with your children. Children will

Mimic your reaction or energy. If you have an upbeat attitude, than they will have an upbeat attitude. Your approach to your positive approach to your diagnosis can ease their fears.

 

Be honest

I know that initially, some parents will

Try to hide their diagnosis from their children. But what I have come to realize by dealing with my own children is that by being secretive, you create fear within your child. Children watch us carefully so they can tell when something has changed. Try to be honest about your upcoming procedures, appointments, and medicines. Explain to them what to expect, how you may feel or appear, and the goal. I find that honesty better prepares them for the journey. 

Use considerate wording

The way you speak about your diagnosis can make or break your child. Try to address your diagnosis has a family challenge. Explain that it will be a difficult journey, but that you are up for it, and you will all beat it together. Make a plan of attack as a family. Something your kids can actually partake in. Explain to your children some of things they may witness and how some of the procedures may make you feel. Explain that it will be difficult, but that you will get through it.

 

 

Find a Breast Cancer children’s book

BK’s Mommy Has Breast Cancer is a great way to explain your breast cancer diagnosis to your child. BK's Mommy Has Breast Cancer was written to help a 7-year-old boy understand and deal with his mother's Breast Cancer diagnosis. With great understanding and planning, he learns that there are many small ways he can help his mother while she is on her Breast Cancer Journey. He realizes that he can be a friend, entertainer, work out buddy, and caregiver. Author, Marquita Goodluck, a Breast Cancer warrior, wrote this book to help parents and children deal with the difficult and scary journey of Breast Cancer. Written entirely in the image of her family with factual events, BK's Mommy Has Breast Cancer Is the perfect positive, authentic, and upbeat book to help any family facing Cancer. With it's rhyming text and positive illustrations, BK's Mommy Has Breast Cancer is the perfect book to encourage children to be hopeful and helpful as their loved one fights one of the hardest battles of their life

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