Talking to Children and Young People About Cancer – Your Practical Guide
In our guide you’ll find tips to help you talk honestly and openly about mate pukupuku with your taitamaiti or tamariki through all stages of your journey – from telling them about your diagnosis to engaging activities to help them understand more about mate pukupuku.
Facing a cancer diagnosis—whether it’s yours or a loved one’s—can be daunting, especially when you need to communicate with tamariki (children) and mātātahi (young people). Kenzie’s Gift has created a comprehensive resourceto help you navigate these big conversations in a way that’s both age-appropriate and culturally sensitive. By blending practical information, heartfelt advice, and the Māori holistic health model of te whare tapa whā, this guide supports whānau seeking clarity, comfort, and confidence during a mate pukupuku (cancer) journey.
Why This Guide Is Essential
Age-Appropriate Insights
Children of different ages understand illness and cancer in unique ways. This guide explains how to tailor discussions—whether you’re talking to a preschooler worried about “catching” cancer or a teenager who wants detailed medical facts.
Culturally Grounded Advice
By focusing on te whare tapa whā, this guide highlights the importance of taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), and taha whānau (family wellbeing). Recognising each dimension helps families address not just medical needs, but emotional, relational, and spiritual ones too.
Practical Tools
You’ll find tips for using art, music, storytelling, and everyday routines to keep children engaged and comforted. From simple art projects to creative play scenarios, these activities can help tamariki process tough news in a manageable, approachable way.
Professional Backing
Written in consultation with counsellors, psychologists, and parents who’ve “been there,” this guide offers trusted insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when talking to children about a serious illness like cancer.
What You’ll Discover Inside
Clear Guidance on How to Start the Conversation
Learn the best time to share the news, what to say if you’re waiting on test results, and why honesty typically builds trust.
Common Questions & How to Answer Them
Children often ask, “Are you going to die?” or “Can I catch cancer?” The resource teaches you how to respond thoughtfully and calmly, avoiding misinformation or unnecessary fear.
Managing Reactions & Emotions
Children can show anger, clinginess, confusion, or even no reaction at all. Our guide clarifies how these responses may differ by age and offers strategies to help them cope.
Family Life During Treatment
Cancer treatment disrupts daily routines, from trips to the hospital to coping with exhaustion. You’ll find advice on helping children feel involved and secure—whether through maintaining boundaries, encouraging them to help at home, or finding ways to keep family time special.
After Treatment & Moving Forward
Even once active treatment ends, emotional challenges can persist. The resource covers handling fears of recurrence, adjusting to a “new normal,” and addressing children’s questions like, “Why are you still tired?”
How This Resource Benefits Your Whānau
Reduces Confusion and Anxiety
Instead of leaving children to fill in the blanks, you’ll have age-appropriate language and activities that clarify the situation, easing their fears.
Fosters Open Communication
By keeping conversations honest and open, children learn they can come to you with concerns. This can build resilience and emotional trust in the long run.
Respects Cultural and Spiritual Needs
Recognising taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing) ensures that your family’s cultural values remain central throughout the cancer journey, fostering a deeper sense of connection and meaning.
Promotes Healthy Coping Strategies
With practical tips for art, storytelling, music, and movement, children gain positive outlets for complex emotions, leading to better emotional health.
Empowers Parents and Caregivers
You don’t have to guess about what your child needs. Expert-based guidance demystifies a stressful time, giving you and your child a roadmap toward understanding and reassurance.
Download or Order the Guide Today
Ready to equip your whānau with practical, compassionate support? Order or download “Talking to Children and Young People About Cancer” from Kenzie’s Gift now. By accessing this resource, you’ll find everything you need to tackle difficult questions, calm anxiety, and maintain loving, open communication with your tamariki.
How to Get Your Copy
- Choose Your Format Below: Opt for a digital copy to get instant access, or request a physical copy if you prefer a hard copy for reference.
- Get in Touch: Our team is here to support you if you need more advice on counselling, therapy, or additional resources.
How Kenzie’s Gift Can Help Further
If you find yourself needing extra assistance, Kenzie’s Gift offers free or low-cost therapy for children, young adults, and families dealing with serious illness or bereavement. Our professional counsellors are trained to address the unique challenges that mate pukupuku presents, ensuring that each conversation and activity is tailored to the child’s age, cultural background, and emotional state. Whether you need personalised advice or someone to guide you through each stage of treatment, Kenzie’s Gift is here to stand beside you.
Don’t face the challenges of talking about cancer with children on your own. Empower your whānau with the knowledge, sensitivity, and hopeful perspective found in this guide. Download or order “Talking to Children and Young People About Cancer” today and begin creating a supportive environment where your tamariki can thrive—no matter the difficulties ahead.
The free kits are available to you if your tamariki and rangatahi are affected by serious illness or grief. We also have digital guides for parents/caregivers.
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Kenzie's Gift is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005 (CC21425)
