Do you have a friend or even your own child that has been diagnosed with cancer? Here are some helpful things you can do:
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Be sensitive to the emotional state of both the child and the parent; sometimes they want to talk about the cancer, other times they just want a hand to hold.
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Encourage all members of the family to keep in touch through visits, calls, mail, videotapes, or pictures. When visits are welcomed make them brief and cheerful. Not only do long visits sometimes distress sick children, but they can also overtax a tired parent.
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Be understanding if the parents do not want phone calls in the hospital. Remember that the child can hear all phone conversations when parents talk on the phone in the room.
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A cheerful hospital room really boosts a child's spirits. Encourage sending balloon bouquets, funny cards, posters, toys or humorous books. Be aware that some hospitals do not allow rubber balloons, only Mylar. Flowers are also not allowed in children's rooms.
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Laughter helps heal the mind and body, so send funny videotapes or arrive with a good joke if you think it's appropriate.
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Puzzles, games, picture books, coloring books, age-appropriate computer games, and crafts are welcome. Remember that attention spans can be shortened by treatment so keep it simple.
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Offer to give the parent a break from the hospital room. A walk outside, shopping trip, haircut, dinner with spouse, or just a long shower can be very refreshing.
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Donate frequent flyer miles to distant family members who have the time but not the money to help.
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If you don't hear from a family member, call. Often silence means that he doesn't know what to do or say.
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Provide meals.
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Take care of pets
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Mow grass, shovel snow, rake leaves, or weed gardens.
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Clean the house.
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Grocery shop, especially when the family is due home from the hospital.
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Do laundry. Drop off and pick up dry cleaning.
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Provide a place to stay if you live near the hospital.
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Baby-sit for any other children whenever parents must go to clinic, ER, or a prolonged hospital stay.
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When parents are home with a sick child, take siblings out to a movie, the park or a sporting event.
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Invite siblings over for meals
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If you bring a gift for the sick child, bring something for the siblings, too.
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Offer to help with siblings' homework.
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Drive siblings to lessons, games or school.
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Listen to how they are feeling and coping. Siblings' lives have been disrupted, they have limited time with their parents, and they need support and care.
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