How To Help Children And Youth Affected By A Life Threatening Illness

Of The Child Or Youth; Of A Family Member

Of The Child Or Youth:

Family energy gets directed to helping the child or youth who is ill. This can create social havoc within the rest of the family. It can leave the child or youth who is ill with tension and fear of dying. Time, energy and money spent dealing with the life threatening illness can create gaps in ordinary living and learning for the whole family. It can drain the parents so they cannot provide support for each other and the child or youth’s needs. The illness can create negative patterns of behavior in sisters and brothers, which can cause further stress and can slow healing.

Of A Family Member:

Children & youth can develop serious challenges in self-confidence and in asking for what they want. They can become fearful, jealous, confused, guilty, moody and or uncooperative during and after the illness. It is important to give the child or youth lots of attention after the illness has passed.

First, We Would Investigate	Second, We Would Investigate	For Long Term Support We Would Investigate
Western Medicine Osteopathy Psychotherapy Psychiatry Attitudinal Healing Nonviolent Communication Nutrition Consulting Hypnotherapy EMDR Expressive Arts Flower Essences Homeopathy Aryuveda Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbology Aromatherapy	Support For Parents Massage Biofeedback Aikido	Aromatherapy Flower Essences Nonviolent Communication Support For Parents Attitudinal Healing Ayurveda Traditional Chinese Medicine

On Our Own We Would Try: • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Long Walks/Hikes • Wholesome Pleasures • Nature • Pets • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games

For Parents: • Get support for the person who is ill, yourself, other caregivers, the children or youth. • Focus on as much normal living as possible. • Make sure to take rests from caregiving. • Communicate your need for support with your family, your medical team, local health departments, religious groups. • Join with other parents having this situation. • Make sure to take time for yourself.