The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
Babies and toddlers will feel most secure with their main caregivers. They may
fear strangers and separation from their parents. Toddlers will find ways to try
and assert their independence. They may fear things hurting or harming them.
Some ideas to help your younger child cope are:
• Bring favourite items from home – toys, security blanket, stuffed animals,
books, music.
• Sooth or relax your child with music, singing, rocking / cuddling, reading
favourite stories.
• Offer your child real choices where possible – Do you want to walk to the
treatment room or let me carry you?
• Encourage your child to play with real or pretend medical equipment, dolls,
puppets, art supplies, to help your child express feelings and to work
through experiences.
• Read books to your child that relate to his or her concerns or experiences.
• Reassure your child that he or she has not done anything wrong and is not
being punished.
• Encourage your child to participate in his or her care as much as possible –
for example, letting your child take medication.
• Set limits and boundaries for your child to enhance his or her sense of security.
• Encourage members of the team to talk to your child before touching him or her.
SCHOOL - AGE CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
School-age children have an increasing ability to solve problems, and prefer to
be in control of situations. They tend to worry, and may fear bodily harm or loss
of function. Some may still fear separation. Adolescents are able to think about
the future. They value independence, privacy and interactions with peers.
Some ideas to help your older child cope are:
• Allow your child to participate in his or her care whenever possible.
• Allow your child to direct familiar procedures when appropriate
– for example, announcing the next step in a dressing change.
• Use humour as a distraction technique.
• Read books with your child that are about his / her feelings and experiences.
• Keep your child informed about what’s going on at home with brothers,
sisters, friends and pets.
Your child’s hospital – Monash Children’s Sec.2.2:3
Updated March 2011