No parent ever wants to imagine that their child will become terminally ill. But if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 15,590 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2021.
While a terminal diagnosis is never easy to deal with, there are steps you can take as a parent to make the journey a little bit easier for both you and your child. This blog post will cover everything from how to break the news to your child to make sure they have the best possible quality of life.
1. Breaking the News to Your Child
The first step is breaking the news to your child in a way that is sensitive to their age and development. For very young children, it may be enough to simply say that they are sick and need medicine to get better. You can also assure them that doctors and nurses are taking care of them and that you will be there every step of the way.
Older children will likely have more questions and may need more information about their diagnosis. Be prepared to answer their questions as best you can, but don’t hesitate to seek out help from a medical professional or counselor if you need additional support.
2. Making Treatment Decisions Together
Once your child has been diagnosed, you’ll need to work with their medical team to make treatment decisions. If your child is old enough, it’s important to involve them in these decisions as much as possible, so they feel like they have some control over their situation.
You’ll also need to decide how much information you want them to know about their condition. It’s important to balance keeping them informed and sheltered from unnecessary worry. Again, if you need help navigating this decision, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
3. Maintaining Normalcy
It’s important to try and maintain as much normalcy in your child’s daily life as possible, despite their illness. This can include keeping up with school, extracurricular activities, and social events. Of course, there may be times when your child needs to miss out on certain things due to treatment or sickness, but it’s important to try and keep their daily routine as consistent as possible.
You should also make sure to set aside special time for your child, whether it’s quality one-on-one time or fun activities for the whole family. This can help them feel loved and give them a break from constantly thinking about their illness.
4. Providing Quality Care
As a parent of a terminally ill child, it’s important to prioritize their comfort and quality of life. This may mean providing them with pain management or seeking out hospice care options. It also means being there for them emotionally, listening to their worries and fears, and providing support and love.
You may need to make difficult end-of-life decisions, but your child’s well-being should ultimately be the top priority. You may want to seek out support from medical professionals, counselors, or support groups to help you navigate these tough decisions.
5. Taking Care of Yourself
It’s important to remember to take care of yourself as well during this difficult time. This may mean seeking therapy, leaning on your support system, or taking breaks when needed. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you better care for your terminally ill child.
No parent should have to go through the heartbreak of a terminal illness diagnosis for their child. Remember that resources are available to help guide you through this challenging journey, and know that you’re not alone in facing these obstacles. If you take steps to prioritize your child’s comfort and well-being and take care of yourself, you will be able to provide them with love and support until the end.
Dealing with a terminal illness is never easy—but it’s especially difficult when your child is sick. As a parent, you want nothing more than for them to get better. But unfortunately, that’s not always possible. If your child has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, know that there are steps you can take as a parent to make the journey a bit easier for both of you.
Remember to gather as much information about their diagnosis and involve them in treatment decisions. Maintain normalcy in their daily life, prioritize their comfort and well-being, and make sure to take care of yourself as well. With love and support, you can navigate this difficult time together.
