What does the child understand? … Child behaviors and reactions … How to handle the situation?
What does the child understand?
* At this age, the child cannot understand what cancer is.
* The child will be able to sense changes in behaviors, emotions, and daily routines (sleeping and feeding times).
Child behaviors and reactions:
* Increased crying and screaming fits.
* Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
* Fear of being away from Mom or Dad.
How to handle the situation?
* Make your child feel safe by holding and touching them.
* You can ask the doctor for familiar items from home like a toy or pictures; familiar things help the child feel secure.
* Talk to your child, sing to them, and try to maintain feeding and sleeping schedules as much as possible.