You are not alone in this journey.
A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family. NBCF is here for you, making sure that no one in your family faces cancer alone. We’re so glad you’re here.
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Blogs for parents
Free coloring pages
Book recommendations
Inspirational videos for kids
Additional resources for families
Blogs for Parents
Our hope is that these free resources provide accurate information, reduce stress, and facilitate open and ongoing conversations for families affected by breast cancer.
These resources have been created in partnership with physician, patient advocate, and cancer survivor, Wendy Harpham, MD, and certified child life specialist, therapist, and Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group, Kelsey Mora, CCLS, LCPC.
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
There is no easy way to say “I have cancer” to your child, but it is important to prepare them for what’s to come and how it might affect them. Learn what to say—and how to say it—when sharing your cancer diagnosis with your children.
10 Ways to Support Children Through a Parent’s Cancer Diagnosis
After sharing the news of your diagnosis with your family, your children may experience complex emotions. Here are 10 ways you can help your kids process the new information and how they feel about it.
Small Hands, Big Hearts: Involving Kids in Supporting a Parent with Cancer
There are many practical and concrete ways kids can help support their parent facing cancer, leading them to feel more in control of a scary situation. Learn ways kids can help support their parent with cancer.
What to Expect When a Parent Has Breast Cancer: A Guide to Preparing Your Children
When a parent is facing cancer, it’s important to equip children with the information they need in an age-appropriate way. Learn how to start with the basics through word-for-word explanations of common questions kids ask about a parent’s diagnosis.
Free Coloring Pages for Kids and Parents
A calm and quiet activity like coloring together can bring comfort and connection to children and parents alike. These free downloadable coloring sheets can help you connect as your family works to process the emotions and worry that come when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.
Book Recommendations
Books and stories are a great way for children to learn, connect, and feel seen when a parent is facing cancer. These recommendations are organized by the child’s age and subject matter and cover a wide variety of topics.
See the listInspirational Videos for Kids
Hear from others who have been there. These videos for kids, from former kids who had a parent with cancer, will encourage and remind them they are not alone.
Additional Resources for Families
In addition to NBCF, there are other groups dedicated to the emotional well-being of children and families who have a parent facing cancer. Below are a few organizations to consider partnering with on this journey.
- The Pickles Group: This nonprofit organization provides free peer-to-peer support and resources for kids and teens impacted by their parent or guardian’s cancer.
- Bright Spot Network: This nonprofit organization provides young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection.
- Kesem: This nonprofit organization offers free summer camps, day programs, and virtual meet-ups for youth and adolescents facing a parent’s cancer diagnosis, allowing them to connect with peers, process their experiences, and have fun.
- The Dot Method: Created by a child life specialist and licensed therapist, The Dot Method is an interactive workbook tool to teach kids about cancer.
- Wonders & Worries: This nonprofit organization provides free, professional support to children and teenagers during a parent’s serious illness or injury.