Books & Other Resources
Parents with a Serious Illness/Communicating to your Child
 | When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children By Wendy S. Harpham An excellent resource for families facing the difficulties of raising children when Mom or Dad has cancer. The author (physician, cancer survivor and parent) provides much insight into the needs of children and how to openly communicate to children at different stages of development. Information about coping and changes in family life when struggling with cancer are discussed.
| |
 | Cancer in the Family: Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Illness By Sue P. Heiney An informative resource for families dealing with a parent's diagnosis of cancer. This book focuses on the chronic nature of cancer and addresses the many issues parents face when discussing their cancer with children. Each chapter provides parents with information about the various phases of living with cancer and how children may react.
| |
 | Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One By William C. Kroen This book is focused on teaching parents how to help their children understand death and cope with the loss of a loved one. The author presents strategies for parents to communicate with children of all ages in a clear and practical manner. This book is an excellent resource for parents dealing with chronic illness.
| |
 | How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness By Kathleen McCue A comprehensive and compassionate guide that prepares parents to address their children's fears when a parent is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The book offers advice for every stage of a life-threatening illness and common situations parents and children face, such as hospital visits and surgery. Includes early warning signs that a child is having difficulty dealing with a parent's illness and offers advice about how to respond to these signs. |