whom they can share feelings. Don’t hesitate to ask your child to express their feelings, and don’t be afraid to explain what is happening and why. In spite of the disease, your child is still growing and learning. All children—sick and well—need love, attention, discipline, limits, and the opportunity to learn new skills and try new activities. As you begin to learn about the new special needs of your child, it is important to remember that he or she still has all the needs and rights of any growing, developing child. When talking to your child about their illness, do not avoid using direct terms and explanations. Children tolerate treatment better if they understand it and are allowed to be an active decision maker whenever possible. The same is true for parents. n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING THE TREATMENT? Yes. We know from research that well-nourished children tolerate therapy better and have fewer treatment delays due to illness. It may be difficult for your child to resume normal eating habits during therapy, so you will need to be flexible and creative. Offering smaller meals more often may be more successful than offering larger meals three times a day. Children usually are more interested in eating food that they help prepare. It is important to include your child in the social activity of family meals even if full meals are not eaten. Remember, nobody wins food fights—it’s best not to force your child to eat. Make sure that foods high in protein and carbohydrates are readily available to your child. It may be necessary throughout your child’s treatment to provide supplemental nutritional support. Multivitamins, medicines, and herbs should be discussed with your healthcare team before you give them to your child because an interaction between them and the chemotherapy is possible. A dietician trained in children’s calorie and energy needs can offer you guidance. The medical staff can help if there is a nutritional problem. n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING TREATMENT? Your child’s ability to attend school will depend on the intensity of the therapy and on the response to treatment. Some children tolerate chemotherapy and radiation better than others. Your child may not be able to attend school for extended periods because of treatment or hospitalization. However, it is important that your child keep up with their schoolwork. Talk to the staff at your child’s school about arranging additional services, such as help from a home tutor, until your child is able to return to school. You also should discuss school attendance with your child’s doctor. Many pediatric hospitals have programs that allow children to attend school while they are hospitalized. School is important because it helps children maintain social contact with their peers. Your child’s time with friends will be an important part of recovery and will ease the adjustment when they return to school. It is important for your child to return to school as soon as they are medically able to do so.
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