Being diagnosed with breast cancer may be the most tragic experience for you and your family as well. If you are a mother, you need to let your kids know what you are going through. If you find it too difficult to talk about your condition, have a look at this. Here are 6 ways you can follow to alleviate your fear when telling your kids about your breast cancer.
Be direct
Tell your kids that their mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, explain to them what it is like. But make sure they understand that treatments are available and you are taken good care of.
Acknowledge their fears
Needless to say, your kids will freak out. They may show confusion, anxiety and even tears, all of which are normal. Let the news sink into them. It takes a while to make peace with such bad news, especially for young kids.
Remain the role of parent
You should try your best to be the happy mother that you used to be. However, cancer takes a toll on you. There will be days when pain and fear creep onto you. Tell your kids to expect that. If you feel like you can no longer handle it on your own, then seek professional help.
Try to communicate
Your kids might not be able to understand breast cancer. Try to tell them using other means. Kimmie Cares dolls are great to illustrate your condition. They have removable hair, so you can show your kids how cancer may change your appearance.
Assure them that things will go back to being normal
Treatments do not last forever. Eventually, you will heal. You will get back your long and beautiful hair. You will be even more energetic than before. Make sure your kids know that they will not have to see their mother in pain forever.
Explain to them that your condition is not your fault
Kids tend to assume that something happens to people because they are bad since they are used to the mistake-and-punishment education model. That is why you need to explain to them that cancer, just like any other illness, does not happen to bad people. It untrue that you have cancer because you are punished. In addition, let them know your condition is not contagious. They will not get it for being near you.
Informing your kids of your cancer is always a challenging task. Cancer can be scary at first. However, it can also have a positive influence on your relationship with your kids.
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