Mesothelioma Cancer- What to tell children

Telling children about any serious illness or disease is not

easy. The best approach is a direct one as children, even

very young ones, often sense that something is not right.

Their fears need to tackled and honesty is the best policy.



The amount of information you should give them depends on

their age and how grown up they are. Being honest is one

thing but giving them all the information at once may be too

much. Try spreading it out a bit to ease the shock of the

inevitable outcome.



Questions can be answered on a 'need to know basis'

initially but as more hospital vists are undertaken and the

patient is unwell at times then more detail needs to be

offered.



Getting the same question over and over again from young

children can be difficult at times but it should be realised

that this is a normal part of their development.



Teenagers may have a particularly hard time as they now have

to cope with additional strong emotions and extra

responsibilies, as well as the usual emotions which are part

of their development into adults. They may need to turn to

others outside the family if they find it difficult to talk

to family members e.g.family friend, teacher or counsellor.



Grief raises its head everywhere and it is important to

reasure children that it is not their fault that this

illness has happened.



It seems to be common amongst children that they feel they

are to blame and these feelings could last for some time.

Additionally, they may need to be put right about what they

have heard from friends and other people as it may not be

correct.



Children need to be dealt with sensitively but honestly. But

manage the communication of information according to age,

maturity and circumstances.



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