Hematology-Oncology

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How to Help Kids Cope: For A Toddler

When the Child Has Cancer
What is it? Common Questions
What's New Books - Links
Support & Education External Websites
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For toddlers with cancer (aged under 3)
Toddlers need supportive adults to help them understand what is happening. A parent's presence, explanations, and loving hugs will be important during this time.

Tell your child what is going to happen. Let them know before you leave for the hospital where you are going. It is best to tell your child a short time before you leave or the night before. Letting a child know he/she is seeing the doctor too far in advance can make him/her feel anxious.

Keep your explanations simple and repeat them often. "You need medicine to make your tummy feel better." "The doctors and nurses will give you medicine and then we will go play."

Reassure your child that you will stay with them. If you are not able to be with your child in the hospital, make sure a familiar caretaker is available for support. This might be a grandparent, a day care provider or a family friend.

What's New
To Search Pub Med, please see below.
Consumer and selected health professional journals

Support & Education Programs
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it has a significant impact not only on the child, but parents, siblings and extended family as well.

We offer a variety of services to help patients and families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges ahead such as:

Look for other support, wellness, and educational programs offered in the HOPES calendar.