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SUPPORTING IRISH WOMEN SINCE 2017
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming—but when the person affected is also a parent, the challenges multiply. Children still need routines, meals, and comfort, even when mum or dad is exhausted from treatment. If you want to support a loved one with cancer who has kids, here are some practical, thoughtful ways to help.
After chemotherapy, especially when steroids wear off, parents often feel their worst. Offering to take the children for a night or two during this time can be an incredible relief. In many cases, the chemo patient will most likely just want to sleep for those few days and not having the responsibility of the children during that can help massively.
Dropping in easy-to-heat, family-friendly meals means they don’t need to worry about cooking when energy is at its lowest. Think pasta bakes, soups, and snacks for the kids. Or give vouchers for local restaurants or takeaways.
Offering lifts for school drop-offs or after-school activities keeps children’s lives steady and gives parents much-needed breathing space. Be specific in offering this help. Saying "be sure to let me know if I can do anything" often won't result in a request for help. But saying "I'll bring the kids to school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday next week" might.
Inviting the children for a playdate, a movie night, or even just to the park can give parents time to rest and recover while the kids enjoy themselves. Again, a casual text to say "Listen, I'm heading to the playground for a couple of hours, why don't I swing by and pick yours up?" makes it easier to say yes to!
It might be a care package with snacks and soft blankets, or simply a text to say, “I’m thinking of you.” These gestures make parents feel seen and supported. Check out our full serious illness range now.
💛 The most important thing? Don’t wait for them to ask—offer specific, practical help. It can make all the difference.