How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness

by Kathleen McCue, Ron Bonn

Offering supportive, practical advice from a leading child-life specialist, this book includes information such as what to tell a child about the illness, how to recognize early-warning signs in a child's drawings, sleep patterns, schoolwork and eating habits, and when and where to get professional help. Illustrations & Calvin & Hobbes cartoons.

Genres: Parenting

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Erica Wichtowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that helps parents coping with and parenting during a chronic illness. In my case my husband’s illness was terminal and he passed last month. I wish I had found this book four years ago when he was first diagnosed, but better late than never. I recommend this book to any parent the day they are diagnosed with a serious illness. It’s a great “straight through” read and also a “look back at for resources” read.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOP!! This is an old edition and shouldn't be read because it doesn't include information about the Internet, cell phones, complex family arrangements, etc. Read this one instead: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

With that said, I must say that this is quite a useful book because of how it directly addresses issues for the children as well as the ill and not ill adults. Communication is stressed quite a bit. And a prime directive is: always be truthful, even if all the truth isn't told. Trying to cover up, soften, make light of for the sake of the child, and lying are never helpful according to the author. This is a good reference book and worth buying to have on hand. Plus, sections can be read selectively depending on the nature of the illness and the age of the child.

[Tiffanie Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for those who are struggling with a serious illness who have children. It’s practical, easy read with sound advice. I read this for work. I’m a hospital chaplain and I needed tools and techniques to help parents whose spouse is seriously ill.

[Georgia Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, honest, empowering.

[Becca Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author! She inspires me to write more textbooks in the way this one is written. Gives practical, real life experience tied with lessons from textbooks.

[Jessica Williford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written as if parents are the audience, so it is an easier read than many similar books. I read this right before I started my first job as a child life specialist (CCLS) and the information presented has significantly helped when I am consulted to work with children of adult patients. I highly recommend as a “continuing education” book for child life specialists and other psychosocial professionals.

[Juniper Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a very quick read for me even though I read a few chapters twice. i think its getting me to think more about lulani's needs and get past my own insecurities right now. it helped me to see where I am at as far as emotional intelligence during tribulation. i am feeling empowered after reading this book because i have the added knowledge that although she is only two years old, Lulani can show signs of stress from some of the illnesses in my family. It's not going to be easy but I know that we will pull through this and she can grow up to be a loving and healthy and thriving person one day if we just take our time to communicate our feelings and needs. I recommend this book to anyone with a child, illness in the family or not because even if someone your child loves, a neighbor a highschool teacher, becomes sick, it's going to affect your child profoundly.

[Jenna Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book as I am thinking of becoming a Child Life Specialist. However, I think everyone with children should read this book. It is so insightful into minds of children and their need for reassurance and structure. The authors do a great job of discussing many different reactions your child may have and how you should handle it. They give specific examples of what to say in certain circumstances so you will never be at a loss for what to say. They also break down many of the situations into different age brackets - toddlers, school-age and teenagers. The book is so comprehensive. I hope no one ever needs this book but if you or someone you know is in this situation it is best to know about it and have the information before any problems arise.

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's most helpful component was the warning signs that kids are not processing things well. However, this book was kind of a downer overall, and didn't include enough practical advice. Just stories. I preferred reading Cancer in the Family: Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Illness, because it included all of the negative signs that this book included but also had helpful activities to try to set things right instead of just pointing out that kids may need professional help.