Episode 83 | How to Talk to About a Friend or Classmate's Cancer

When it comes to talking about cancer with kids, there is no one that compares to Holly Senn (Certified Child Life Specialist at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital). We’re going to share some tips for parents, teachers, and anyone else who works with children, so that you can approach this serious topic in a really open, kind, and educational way.  

In this episode, we talk about…

[1:16] Holly’s experience in the Child Life field

[3:19] Working with hematology-oncology families

[4:30] Engaging in an open and honest  conversation about cancer with a child

[7:58] Handling a child’s emotional reaction to the conversation about cancer

[9:20] Being open and honest about our emotions, as adults

[13:31] Wrapping up a difficult conversation 

[15:40] Resources for dealing with childhood cancer

Resources:

• What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick by Allen Peterkin
• The Puddle Jumper’s Guide to Kicking Cancer by Elizabeth Billups (guest on episode 38 of Child Life on Call)
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• American Cancer Society
• American Childhood Cancer Organization
• The Child Life department at your closest children’s hospital!

Connect with Holly:

https://www.instagram.com/hesenn23

Have you heard?  The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022.  Sign up to stay informed here.

Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges.  We are so glad you are here.

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