Anyone who has ever had a loved one diagnosed with cancer knows that this diagnosis affects the entire family and can be quite devastating to the “normal” routine. When the person who has cancer is the parent, there is the additional stress of trying to ease a child’s fear at a time when the patient herself needs comfort and reassurance. . The journey typically turns the daily routine upside down and often this is very difficult for the children. When parents become overwhelmed, children often feel confused and rejected as their lives begin to change. In addition to fearing the loss of a loved one, a child may blame himself for the disease or be afraid that the cancer is contagious. A child will often wonder who will take her to and from school if Mom or Dad is sick or busy going to appointments. Older children have different worries. They may be embarrassed of their loved one’s illness and the toll it takes on their lives. Who are all these people in and out of their lives? Why can’t they see their friends or go the movies like before? Why is this happening to their family? When will life return to normal?
By attending support groups, parents can learn how to talk honestly to their children while being realistic and hopeful. They will learn how to involve their children in the cancer journey by suggesting projects and chores that make their children feel involved and needed. Families need to face the facts of a cancer diagnosis and understand how the struggle can also be an opportunity for growth and change. By attending the weSPARK Support group for children between the ages of five and 12 and the Teen Support for adolescents 13 to 17, parents will feel assured that the needs of their children are being addressed. By using circle time, games, playing and arts and crafts, our weSPARK guests are encouraged to express feelings of guilt, sadness and anger as well as a host of other concerns brought on by their loved one’s cancer. An intake is necessary before participating in our programming.
For more information, please contact Tara Shore at 661-288-2322 or tara@wespark.org