No one is ever ready to hear that their child has a serious illness. You hope it never happens to you, but if it does you may not know where to start.
Every family manages difficult news like this in their own way. It's hard to understand complicated information when you're dealing with shock and stress.
Your child's healthcare providers will likely talk to you about what's going on in a private setting. They'll try to give you support and respect your family's needs and decisions. Let them know how you'd like to get information and how you'd like to make decisions.
Ask lots of questions so you understand your child's illness and what's going to happen. It's OK to ask your healthcare providers to write things down. Ask them to repeat anything you don't understand.
It'll be important to find ways to explain what's going on to your other children. Talk to your healthcare team about this or get help if you need it.
Get the support you need to cope whether it's from other family, friends, or a counsellor. As soon as you feel able find out how you can plan for the future, and what services can help you, such as the children's palliative care team.
Take things at your own pace. If you ever feel like you can't cope, talk to a friend or go see your own doctor. There are services and people who can help with the grief, sadness, and worry you might be feeling right now.
