talking with our kids about our diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis has a profound impact on the entire family. There are so many decisions to make and so many emotions to cope with; and if you have children it can be a challenge to determine how much to tell them.

Here are CancerCare's 10 tips for communicating with your children:

1. Give your children accurate, age-appropriate information about cancer.
2. Explain the treatment plan and how it will affect their lives.
3. Answer your children's questions as accurately as possible.
4. Reassure your children.
5. Let them know they can turn to other members of your support system, too.
6. Allow your children to participate in your care.
7. Encourage your children to express their feelings.
8. Reassure your children that they will be cared for.
9. To the extent possible, make communicating with your children a priority.
10. As always, show your children a lot of love and affection.