Emotional support for your child too

Helpful approaches on how to emotionally support your own child when their child has been diagnosed with cancer:

Be a steady emotional anchor. Listen without judgment or trying to “fix” things right away. Just by being there for them means more than giving them advice.

Your child (the parent) often feels overwhelmed and by offering practical support you can help to reduce their stress.

Encourage self-care and remind your child that it is okay and necessary for their mental and physical well-being to rest, cry, or take a short break. Offer to stay with your grandchild so the parent can have a few hours off.

Be mindful of boundaries and ask  before making big decisions or offering opinions about treatment or parenting. Respect that your child may need space or may cope differently than you expect.

You do not protect your child or grandchild by making false promises. Hope and love are powerful but try not to minimise their fear or pain. Assure them of your steadfast love and that you are with them even in the toughest times.