Support Tools
This page has helpful tools and handouts to assist parents as your family faces pediatric cancer together.
- Suggestions for Parents and Guardians is a list of helpful tips parents and guardians can do to help siblings get through the journey.
- How to Explain Cancer – Here are age appropriate ways of how to explain cancer to your children via questions and conversations. The most important thing is that children and teens receive information appropriate for their age and situation. And not just once… but on an ongoing basis as they mature. These pages share what kids want to know, what to say, when to say it and how to say it.
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TEAM Form – to be completed by the student (the sibling) with the help and support of a parent professional, teacher or other trusted adult. This is to assist the teacher(s) so they understand how best to provide support. say, when to say it and how to say it.
- The KISS Form (Kids Information and Stat Sheet) is an excellent form to use with anyone who may be caring for your children at your home or theirs. This form will help other caregivers to know each child, and be able to identify cues of distress if they begin to develop.
- 100 Ways to Encourage a Sib has great tips for parents or guardians to express to siblings how special and loved they are
- I’ve Got to Hand It To You is a fun recognition activity for parents or guardians to use with their SuperSibs! children and teens. It is a wonderful way to say, “Here’s my hand if you need me” or “Here’s a pat on the back.”
Suggested Reading for Grandparents and Relatives:
- “Caregiver’s Guide for Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant; Practical Perspectives” (Section on Tips for Parents, by Melanie Goldish). Available from www.nbmtlink.org
- “Childhood Cancer” (Section on Helping Siblings Cope) by Honna Janes-Hodder & Nancy Keene
- “SuperSibs! Parent Guide for Siblings of Children With Cancer” (Some of these tips apply to parents and relatives, too.)