How should I tell my children?

You can talk to your children as a group, or individually (if they need to know different things because of differences in their ages or how grown up they are).

You may want to practise what you will say and anticipate the questions that the children will ask. It is important to talk in a language and at a level that each child understands.

It is helpful to create an environment in which your children feel safe and in which they feel able to ask questions, even if they feel sad and upset. Set aside plenty of time, when you know that you will not be interrupted, and let the children know that you have plenty of time to discuss the situation with them.

Condition-specific information

Further information on conditions that may be affecting you or those around you:

Support Groups

Visit the NHS inform Support Services Directory to search for local organisations that may help with the issues you are facing:

Last updated: 29 March 2012

This content was supplied by Macmillan Cancer Support.