From birth onwards, children constantly learn and develop as they navigate different experiences.
With the right information, attention and support, they can learn to do anything. Children are built to survive.
Each infant or child has a unique experience of retinoblastoma diagnosis, therapy and life after treatment. They have different feelings and reactions. There is no right or wrong response.
Each child’s experience is “their” experience. For many, retinoblastoma and its treatment is the only life experience they have. Our job as adults is to support them through that experience.
Your child needs lots of support in dealing with treatment and life after retinoblastoma. Support from family, friends and from the surrounding. He needs words of compassion, love, hope, and encouragement. There is much you can do to help him along the way.
If you are stressed, your child is likely to also be stressed, but if you are calm, your child is more likely to be calm and cope better with their cancer experience. Here are 45 tips to help soothe your body and mind.
Infant Massage is a beautiful, loving way for parents, babies and young children to bond. Therapeutic touch promotes early development and mental health for both parent and child, especially during difficult times.
Talking With Kids About Vision Loss
Talking about vision loss and blindness with your child is an important part of parenting. These tips and strategies can help you support your child well.
Talking About Vision Loss – For Kids!
Hey Kids, this page is for you! Find out how we see, what happens when that process doesn’t work well, and how kids who have vision loss can do great.
Build your child’s self-esteem and confidence with words of encouragement throughout his life.
People react to difference. Children watch and listen, and learn perceptions of difference from these responses. They can be positive or negative.
Meet the adorable plush Worry Eaters! They can help children and their families face big and small worries with fun and creativity.
Personal Story Books – create your own “I Am” book
The effects of retinoblastoma can diminish a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Creating a unique “I Am” personal story book helps children focus on their positive attributes, abilities and achievements, building self-esteem as they explore all the wonderful things that make them uniquely “me”.
Youth Retinoblastoma Support at Upopolis
Cancer can be very scary for young patients, with najor life impacts. Upopolis is an online social support network and education tool bringing connection, comfort, effective coping sills and hope to children and youth with chronic illness, including retinoblastoma, and young survivors.
Retinoblastoma Week at Camp Sunshine
Children and parents benefit hugely from spending time with one another away from hospital. Camp Sunshine offers the world’s only retinoblastoma camp – for the whole family.
Activities for Isolating With Children
During chemotherapy treatment and recovery, families often need to isolate to protect from infection. These 40 activity suggestions may help keep children entertained when you are confined to home for an extended time.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer can significantly overwhelm coping resources. Know the signs of Post Traumatic Stress, and how you can access supports early to reduce your risk of developing traumatic stress.
