When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family, including siblings who may struggle to adjust to changes in routines and family dynamics. Maintaining a sense of normalcy is essential for both the child undergoing treatment and their siblings, as it provides stability and helps everyone cope with the situation. Here are some strategies to help maintain routine and balance during this challenging time.
The Importance of Routine for Children with Cancer
For children undergoing cancer treatment, maintaining aspects of their usual routine can offer comfort amidst the uncertainty of hospital visits and medical procedures. Routine provides a sense of control, which is critical for children who may feel powerless during their treatment. Whenever possible, maintaining school attendance, regular mealtimes, and hobbies can provide the child with much-needed consistency
Parents should also prepare children for changes they might experience, such as physical side effects from treatment, and explain these changes in age-appropriate language. For example, discussing hair loss or fatigue ahead of time can reduce fear when these changes occur
How Siblings Can Cope with Their Own Emotions
Siblings of children with cancer often face their own emotional challenges. They might feel overlooked as attention is directed toward the sick child, or they may experience feelings of guilt or jealousy. Maintaining normalcy for siblings involves making sure their routines, such as school and extracurricular activities, continue as much as possible
It’s important to reassure siblings that their feelings are valid and that it’s okay to express them. Parents should find opportunities to spend one-on-one time with their healthy children, even if it’s something as simple as sharing a meal or engaging in a favorite activity together. This helps siblings feel supported and reminds them that they are still valued members of the family.
Tips for Keeping Normalcy During Hospital Visits
For children with cancer, hospital visits can be daunting. Allowing the child to bring comfort items from home, such as toys, books, or family photos, can help make the hospital feel less intimidating. Whenever possible, keeping up with schoolwork or engaging in normal activities, like playing games or watching favorite shows, can also help children stay connected to their usual routine.
Siblings can also benefit from being involved in the care process. Simple tasks, such as choosing a toy to bring to their sibling at the hospital or helping with meals, allow them to feel useful without overwhelming them with responsibility.
Supporting Both Children Through Social Connections
Staying connected with friends is an important part of maintaining normalcy for both children with cancer and their siblings. Social connections provide emotional support and a sense of normalcy that can be crucial during difficult times. Encourage both children to stay in touch with friends through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits when appropriate.
Schools can also be a source of support. Teachers, counselors, and staff should be informed about the family situation, allowing them to offer additional guidance and attention to both the sick child and their sibling. School staff can help ease transitions when children return to school after treatment or help siblings cope with questions from classmates
Support Jacie’s Kids or Become a Corporate Sponsor
Maintaining a sense of normalcy during cancer treatment can make a world of difference for both the child and their siblings. Jacie’s Kids is dedicated to providing the resources and support families need during this challenging time. Whether it’s helping maintain routines or providing emotional support, Jacie’s Kids is here to assist.
To support Jacie’s Kids or become a corporate sponsor, visit our donate page or learn about sponsorship opportunities on our corporate sponsorship page. You can also contact us at 516-242-1564 or email info@jacieskids.org for more information on how you can get involved.
By working together, we can ensure that children with cancer and their families have the support they need to maintain a sense of normalcy, even during the most difficult times.
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