It’s normal for children with Wilms tumor to develop anxiety due to their condition. The uncertainty about their future, frequent hospital visits or hospitalization, and the effect of the condition on their daily life could stir up emotions, causing great uneasiness.
As a parent, you must allay their fears and ease their anxiety. But, like other things related to kids, this can be challenging.
That’s where we come in.
Below are 5 practical tips to ease your kid’s fears and provide them with the help they need as they go through this critical phase of their life.
What is Wilms Tumor and Its Impact on Children?
Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a rare kidney cancer that affects children, usually around the ages of 3-4. It’s a little bit more common in girls than boys, with higher risks in black children and lower risks in Asian children.
Nephroblastoma is associated with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, swollen abdominal lump, blood in urine, etc. Though painless, children with Wilms tumor often have to endure the emotional and psychological baggage that comes with the condition. This can cause increased anxiety, which if left unchecked, can result in serious complications.
How to ease anxiety in kids with Wilms Tumor?
Here are a few tips on how to ease anxiety in kids with Wilms tumor.
1. Be Honest About Their Condition
Children are naturally inquisitive. At one point, your child will ask about their condition. Avoid telling white lies in the name of “protecting them” from the truth. It might end up backfiring. Instead, be open and honest about their condition, explaining—in layman’s terms—the treatment process and other important details.
Yes, this might stir up emotions. If that happens, reassure them of your unwavering support. Let them know that you’ll be with them as they navigate this unusual journey. Additionally, don’t forget to answer their questions truthfully while being optimistic. And if they have concerns, listen to them and respond empathetically. Being open and honest about your kid’s condition will not only improve the parent-child relationship, but it’ll also go a long way in quelling their anxiety.
2. Get your Child Involved in the Process
Children with Wilms tumor may experience anxiety, which could be heightened when they feel they have little control over their situation.
How do you address this?
Involve them in the process!
Don’t make all the decisions—especially the little ones—for them while they watch like helpless onlookers.
For instance, you could allow them to choose the toys to bring with them for their chemo session or surgery. Or better still, let them decide how they want their hospital room to be set up.
Do they have a favorite outfit?
Ask if they’d like to wear it to their Wilms tumor treatment. The same goes for blankets or other comforting items. Anything that’d make them feel more in control of their situation will help ease their anxiety.
3. Reassure and Comfort them
Kids with Wilms tumor need loads of reassurance and comfort to allay their fears and make them optimistic about their situation.
That’s where you, the parent, come in.
Let them understand that it’s ok to be scared or sad. However, reassure them that everything will be alright and you’ll be with them every step of the journey.
Comfort them through cuddles. You could also hold their hands, sing for them, or play their favorite song or movie. Sometimes, a little reassurance, a pat on the back, or holding hands can go a long way in reducing their anxiety.
4. Pay attention to their emotional health
Aside from your kid’s physical health, you should also pay attention to their emotional health. Stigma and Wilms tumor treatments could take a toll on your kid. The countless hospital visits could also disrupt their daily life, affecting their emotional health.
Signs like irritability, sleep changes, mood swings, and crying could signify emotional distress. Ensure you seek help from a professional therapist if you discover that your kid is finding it hard to manage their anxiety. You could also consider family therapy to build understanding and empathy, providing your kid with the emotional support they need.
5. Leverage Distractions
Idleness can make a child with Wilms tumor dwell on their situation, creating different unpleasant scenarios in their head.
The result? Increased anxiety!
To avoid this, leverage distractions. Play their favorite games with them to get their mind off their condition. Do they have favorite books or toys? Bring them to the hospital, to give them something fun to engage with.
You can also consider visiting their favorite parks, going on short walks, or other fun activities like drawing and painting. This helps ease tension, thus quelling their anxiety.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, It’s hard to watch your kid struggle with the anxiety that comes with Wilms tumor. However, with your love, care, and support they can face this challenging phase of their lives with optimism. Remember to seek professional help when needed. And as you care for your kid, don’t neglect yourself. You need to be in the best shape to provide optimal care and support to your child.
