No one gives you a handbook on how to help your child when they have cancer. Going to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, or other procedures can be scary for kids. 

So, how can parents and caregivers help when their kids are frightened of their next medical procedure? Thankfully, we’re in a time now where parents, caregivers, and doctors can share their insights with the world – insights that can bring calm and comfort to pediatric cancer patients. Keep reading!

10 Calming Exercises for Pediatric Cancer Patients

1. Deep Breathing Exercises

Technique: Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths. Have them breathe in deeply through their nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through their mouth.

How to Use: Practice together by pretending to blow up a balloon or blow bubbles. This can make the exercise more engaging and fun. There are also animations and videos online to guide you, like this Box Breathing video!

2. Guided Imagery

Technique: Use storytelling to guide your child through a calming and pleasant visualization. Ask them to imagine a favorite place or activity.

How to Use: Describe the scene in detail, including sights, sounds, and smells. Draw from pleasant memories, like trips to the beach or Christmas morning. This can help focus your child’s attention on good things, both in the past and to come.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Technique: Teach your child to tense and then relax different muscle groups in their body.

How to Use: Start from the toes and work up to the head, or vice versa. Younger children can be told to progressively say “hello” or “good night” to each part of the body. As they address each part, tense the muscles for a few seconds and then release the tension. 

4. Distraction Techniques

Technique: Engage your child in activities that capture their attention and distract them from anxiety.

How to Use: Sometimes, a good distraction is needed to break someone out of an anxiety spiral. A favorite movie, show, or video game can help. So can creative activities, like drawing or crafts. You can also play games together, especially while waiting at the hospital. 

5. Comfort Items

Technique: Allow your child to bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other comfort item.

How to Use: A familiar item can provide comfort and familiarity in uncharted territory. Because comfort items can be lost or forgotten (simply because they travel often), we’d recommend getting “a pair and a spare” in case the original can’t be found. 

6. Music Therapy

Technique: Use music to soothe and distract your child.

How to Use: Play your child’s favorite songs or calming music. Sing songs together, especially favorites. Older children and teenagers may want to listen alone but engage with your child through music if it helps them feel connected to you.

7. Storytelling and Reading

Technique: Read books or tell engaging stories.

How to Use: Read books that your child enjoys. Interactive storytelling, where the child participates by choosing characters or outcomes, can be particularly engaging. (These are marketed as “Choose Your Own Adventure” books.) If you’re especially creative, you can make up a story together.

8. Parental Presence and Reassurance

Technique: Most children feel most secure with their parents. Stay close and provide physical and emotional comfort. Be attentive to their emotions and generously offer affection.

How to Use: Hold hands, cuddle, or let your child sit on your lap – whatever they find comfortable and comforting. Reassure them with calming words and your presence.

9. Positive Affirmations

Technique: Encourage your child to repeat positive statements to themselves.

How to Use: Teach them simple affirmations like “I am brave,” “I can do this,” or “I am safe.” Repeat these together. You can also use resources like Snoop Dog’s (kid-friendly) affirmations song. 

10. Preparation and Education

Technique: Prepare your child for the procedure by explaining what to expect in an age-appropriate way.

How to Use: Some parents try to hide details of procedures and treatments for fear of scaring their children. However, not knowing what is happening is often much more frightening! Ask their care team for resources on how to talk through the procedure. There are also books, videos, and other resources to help.

Children don’t always know what to do with big feelings. These exercises can help make their cancer journey a less traumatic experience, especially when facing medical procedures. We encourage every parent or caregiver to regularly check in and gauge their child’s emotional well-being.