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Support Services Children & Adolescents

Talking With Your Child About Your Cancer

To tell or not to tell:

Honesty helps children establish and maintain a bond of trust. The truth, even when it is painful, is vital. If a child learns of a parent's deception, they will have a problem being comforted later by words/actions wondering if the parent is telling the truth. By being truthful, you can also feel assured that the child can be guided to accurate, healthy and hopeful interpretations of events and you can help them to learn coping skills.

Sometimes parents are fearful of telling the child about their cancer because they fear children will be overwhelmed. But, if and when there's a delay, or if it's a family secret, the child can build up resentment. In addition to the shock or dismay, children may also have to deal with anger. If they are not told, children as young as 4 and 5 will pick up on the tension in the home. Experts say that children who suspect parents of concealing something often imagine that the problem is even worse than it is because it is "too awful to be talked about." Children may also feel isolated from their parents at a time of tremendous stress.

Learn More: Telling Kids About Cancer

Cancer Kids Fun Nights

Kids ages 7 - 15 gather monthly for support and fun. The motto: “Cancer may be in my family, but I still like to have fun” is at the heart of this social group which shares feelings and experiences of having someone in their family with cancer.

Sessions begin with a dinner and feelings check-in, then an activity. Four times a year the group will have an off-site activity. Parents will be notified the prior month so that transportation may be arranged.

When: First Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm.
Where: Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital

For more information, contact Cammie Caron 978-937-6129.

Meals and activities are sponsored by TeamWalk for CancerCare.

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