Let them know that it is okay for them to have lots of different feelings and that you have many of them, too. Answer questions honestly. Discussing cancer with a child can be difficult, especially when there are so many questions that adults or even doctors cannot answer. For children, the amount of information you give them is usually less important than making them feel comfortable with what you say. Help children understand treatment.
Children often fear the unknown.
They can think that a situation is worse than it really is. Explain the treatment process in a way that is appropriate for their age, but don't forget, it is easy for a child to imagine something like chemotherapy or radiation therapy as bad because it can cause hair loss, nausea, and other unpleasant side effects. Prepare your children for the effects of treatment. Cancer and cancer treatment can often dramatically affect someone's appearance. A physical change such as hair or weight loss can sometimes frighten them, or make them think a person has changed or is different.