• Remember that everyone has his or her own way of coping with stress. Young children may need to spend more time with you or other family members. Older children might need to spend more time with their friends.
  
  
• Encourage family members to talk and be open with one another. Share thoughts and feelings in a supportive manner.
  
  
• Learn together about the type of cancer and treatments your child has. This can help answer questions and alleviate fears. It can also help if siblings go along to the clinic or hospital to learn about the tests and treatments.
  
  
• Spend time together as a family doing enjoyable activities. Play a game or go on a picnic. This can help focus family energy on positive experiences and remind everyone that life goes on.
  
  
• Try not to give special allowances only to your child with cancer. This can increase feelings of jealousy and anger among siblings. As much as possible, maintain the normal pattern of reinforcements with your children.
  
  
• Let children participate in their normal daily activities as much as possible. It can help your children if there is still a feeling of normalcy and family routine.
  
  

If you notice symptoms of depression or anxiety among any of your children, consult a member of your child's treatment team. He or she will be able to provide you with the name of a therapist with experience in these issues. Sometimes, it can help to talk to someone outside of the family.

• Find time, or make time, to do things for yourself. Read a book or go out with friends. It can be hard to avoid feelings of guilt when you are not doing activities centered around your child, but it is important to allow yourself time to regroup and decompress by engaging in your own interests and activities.
  
  
• Do not be afraid to ask for or accept the help of others. Family members and close friends will want to make this time easier for you, and may ask you for ways they can pitch in. Tell them what you need or, if you need space and time apart, tell them that, too. It is not a sign of weakness to reach out or to accept the efforts of others. In fact, it can help you to cope with this time by appreciating the ways that others will offer to help and show support.
  
  
• Use the supports around you. The doctors and nurses on your child's treatment team have much experience in helping families cope with this time. They may be able to help you find local support groups where you can meet other parents in similar situations and share ideas and stories.
  
  
• Remain close to other family members and close friends. Try not to shut out the people who care about you as you care for your child with cancer. Remember that your friends and family care about both you and your child.

If you notice that you are developing symptoms of depression or anxiety, such as changes in sleeping and eating patterns or increased anger and irritability, seek out a caring health professional with experience in cancer care issues. He or she will be able to provide you with support during this difficult time.

• Don't expect to know what to say. There are no magic words that will make this time easier for your friends, and it can be hard to watch people you care about going through a tough time. It's okay to say things like, "I don't know what to say," or, "I'm here for you." Sometimes, it can be enough to just listen and let your friends know that you care.
  
  
• Learn about the type of cancer and treatments the child has. This will give you an understanding of what your friends are going through. You can also offer to do some research for your friends, to help them find out about things like clinical trials or local support groups.
  
  
• Offer to help with chores or errands. Let your friends know that you can assist them with things like transportation, shopping, cooking, and cleaning. If they say no, do not force the issue or feel offended. Some families can cope better when they can perform normal household chores. You can remind them that you are happy to help if it seems as though your friends are overburdened.
  
  
• Spend time with your friends doing things they want to do. Parents and siblings of a child with cancer may need to talk about what they are going through, or they may need a break. Do normal activities, such as going to a movie, playing outside, or helping children with their homework.
  
  
• Maintain normal relationships as much as possible. Invite your friends to social gatherings and other activities, but be understanding if they say no.
  
  
• Understand that some days will be better than others. Stressful times can bring many emotional ups and downs. Respect your friends' ways of coping.
  
  

Above all, try to remain close with your friends during this difficult time. Usually, any effort you can make to show that you care will be appreciated. Friends truly can help make this difficult time easier.