Finding Support for Kids During Cancer Treatment

Last Modified: May 8, 2012


How can I help my kids deal with their dad's illness? Some say to keep things as normal as you can, but I feel nothing is "normal" anymore.


Christina Bach, Oncology Social Worker at Penn Medicine responds:

I know it is really hard to maintain normalcy after a cancer diagnosis---especially with your children. I talk to my patients a great deal about recognizing and understanding the concept of a "new normal--" i.e. what life WITH cancer (and treatment and uncertainty and anxiety) may look like.

Its important to help your children express their emotions about what is happening with their dad; but also to allow them to continue to be children.

You can get great resources about kids coping with cancer:

It also may be very helpful to connect with other patients with kids who are going through similar issues.
