Children are good at noticing things but poor at understanding what they mean. Now Dad has to go into hospital. Then she was ill. Children who know the situation can be a comfort to you. You won't need to feel secretive and isolated in your own family.
Children have an amazing ability and capacity to deal with truth.
Even very sad truths will relieve the anxiety of too much uncertainty. We cannot stop them feeling sad. But if we share our feelings and give them information about what is happening we can offer them support in their sadness. Coping with cancer in the family can be an opportunity for children to learn about the body, cancer, treatment and healing. They can learn about feelings and the strength of the human spirit in difficult times.