In our latest blog, our Cancer Information Development Nurse Elspeth writes about a new information resource she has worked on with childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish.
We have produced a new resource called Preparing a child for loss. This information aims to help you prepare and talk to a child or children about your death. It’s for parents or guardians who are near the end of life. It can also be used by partners, grandparents and close family members. The suggestions about how to approach this difficult subject may also help adults talking to children who are already dealing with the death of a family member.
We’ve written the booklet in partnership with the childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish. It’s a practical guide to help you begin to have some of the hardest discussions you will ever have. It signposts you to the people and organisations who can help and support you as you prepare to talk to your children about what is happening. These people will be able to support you and your family now and in the future. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Our information suggests how to:
Finding out that a diagnosis is terminal is a shocking and emotional time. We hope that the suggestions in this booklet are helpful but you may have different ideas about how to approach your children. That’s perfectly okay. There is no right or wrong way to cope with this situation. Even with support, discussions can be distressing for you and the children, or it may not go as you planned. The important thing to remember is that you’re trying the best you can in really difficult circumstances.
Further support
Talking to children and teenagers about your death can be upsetting and difficult. If you need support, please call us on 0808 808 00 00. Our cancer support specialists are here to listen and to help. There are bereavement support groups on our website, where you can talk to others who understand. There are 'Carers only' and 'Family and Friends' groups too.
To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
Comments? Feel free to add them below (you need to be logged in).
Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
