As families all over the country buy school supplies, meet teachers, and head back to the hollowed halls of primary education, your child may not be in the same position. Cancer treatment can disrupt education and prevent students from being in the classroom. You may rely on tutors, online learning, or homeschooling.
But by and large, most pediatric cancer patients will eventually return to a traditional school model. This transition poses challenges for the child, parents, and educators. But never fear – there are things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.
7 Ways to Help Your Child with Cancer Return to School
#1 – Communicate with the School
Schedule Meetings – Meet with teachers, school counselors, and administrators before your child returns to the classroom. You don’t have to tell them everything about your child’s cancer, treatment, or prognosis – that is private medical information – but you do need to convey the overall state of their health and how their school year may be disrupted because of it.
Develop a Plan – Consult with your child’s teachers about a customized learning plan to ensure your child receives necessary accommodations, such as extended time for assignments, modified physical activity, or rest breaks. Get this plan and any altered guidelines in writing. There should be a system in place for tracking progress, too.
#2 – Educate School Staff
Provide Information – Share information about your child’s condition, treatment, and potential side effects. This helps staff understand what to expect and how to support your child. Focus on your child’s homeroom teacher and/or counselor. Having someone on staff who understands what your child is going through creates another advocate for them when you can’t be by their side.
For parents, this will probably be the most challenging aspect of going back to school. You’ll feel so much better if you know there’s someone in your kid’s corner.
#3 – Prepare Your Child
Discuss Expectations – Talk to your child about what to expect when they return to class, including potential challenges and how to handle them. Other children may treat them differently. They might not be able to play during recess like they used to. They might feel excessively tired or unfocused. All these things can be frustrating and distressing if your child isn’t prepared.
Build Confidence – Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Give them daily affirmations. Stress the importance of sharing their burdens with you. Help your child know that you just want them to do their best.
#4 – Support Social Reintegration
Peer Education – Encourage teachers to educate classmates about cancer in an age-appropriate and respectful way. This can help reduce the stigma associated with cancer and its side effects, such as hair loss.
Encourage Socialization – Create opportunities for your child to interact with peers. Playdates and group activities can ease your child into being around others their age before being thrust into the classroom.
#5 – Monitor Health and Well-being
Regular Check-ins – Communicate closely with staff to monitor your child’s progress and address any issues promptly. Help them know what health indicators to look for so they know what should be brought to your attention.
Follow Medical Advice – Regardless of the school schedule, make sure your child attends all medical appointments and follows their treatment plan. Yes, it may disrupt things. But your child’s health comes first! Communicate any changes with the right school staff, and do not tolerate punishment for prioritizing your child’s well-being.
#6 – Advocate for Flexibility
Remote Learning Options – In the modern age, kids have more possibilities than ever to keep up in the classroom. Explore options for remote learning when necessary. Teachers may be willing to record lessons for your child if they can’t attend a livestream session.
#7 – Provide Emotional Support
Counseling Services – Transitioning back to the classroom can create academic and social anxiety. It’s likely your kid with cancer doesn’t feel like they fit in. They may not even feel like themselves. Consider arranging for counseling or psychological support. A school guidance counselor may help, but so can other professional therapies.
Remember, there are many types of therapy. Be willing to explore to find what benefits your child the most.
Positive Reinforcement – Celebrate milestones and successes to boost your child’s confidence. Let them take chances and (reasonably) test their limits. Establish yourself as a safe person they can come to with anything troubling them.