Beneficial Self-Care Activities for Kids with Cancer

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Are you looking for ways to help your child cope with cancer? Self-care can be incredibly valuable for children battling health conditions and serious illnesses like cancer. If you’re looking for ways to support your child and ease their pain, teach them how to practice self-care! Self-care for kids is all about encouraging children to become introspective and aware of their needs, both physical and emotional. Check out the following tips from Kids Without Cancer to learn more!

Model Good Self-Care Behaviors

Kids take after their parents. Even if you don’t think they’re watching, your kids are internalizing your words and actions to form their own perspective on the world. Modeling good self-care behaviors will show your children that taking care of one’s own body and mind is incredibly important.

Let your kids see you exercising, making healthy food choices, and going to bed early. Beyond these actions, show your kids that you’re aware of your needs and emotions by verbalizing what you need. Discuss why it’s important to prioritize activities that will improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. Aim to teach your kids the value of self-care. With that in mind, here are some actions you can take to help your kids see the benefits of self-care!

Get Out of the House

While getting out of the house, enjoying new activities, and attending events may be more challenging when your child has cancer, a little outing can go a long way toward improving everyone’s mood. For example, attending a sports game is a great way to relax and unwind with your family. Surprise your child with tickets to watch their favorite local team play! If the team isn’t playing nearby, consider traveling out of town for a weekend trip! Find what types of things your child likes to do and indulge these interests every so often.

Spend Some Time in Nature

Spending time in nature offers countless benefits for kids and adults alike. For example, Clearvue Health explains that kids who are exposed to nature have significantly better mental health as adults compared to those who were not exposed to nature as children. Spending time in nature is also associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Head to a nearby park or forest where you and your children can enjoy the natural environment for a while. Try not to go out with a goal or destination in mind. Just let your kids explore, have fun, and take in their surroundings.

Engage in Physical Activity

According to ChoosePT, exercise can benefit children with cancer in several ways. Physical activity has been shown to improve heart and lung function, muscle strength, sleep quality, joint health, and emotional wellbeing, all of which will make it easier for your child to cope with cancer. Talk to your child’s doctor about exercises that will help your child maintain an appropriate physical activity level during their treatment. You can also work with a pediatric physical therapist for help getting your child moving.

Encourage Your Child to Make Healthy Food Choices

It can be tough to get your kids to eat healthy meals during cancer treatment. But making healthy food choices is essential for maintaining their energy and mental wellbeing. Make sure your child gets enough protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for healthy, kid-friendly recipes that will get your child excited about nutritious food!

As a parent, nothing is worse than watching your child struggle through a cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to help your child maintain good health, energy, and a positive mindset. Encourage and model self-care for your child so they can gain greater control over their health and wellbeing!

Do you want to get involved in the fight against childhood cancer? Donate to Kids Without Cancer to help end all childhood cancers! Fill out the form on our website to make your contribution.

Posted on June 2nd, 2022 in News.