Book for Children
Posted 6/19/2011
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Almost daily, I have conversations with women about how to talk about cancer with their children. Although the existential issues are the biggest and most painful ones, there are more urgent and practical worries. A common concern is how to explain hair loss and how will children react? In my experience, small children take their cues from us, and, if we can be matter-of-fact about it, they likely will see a bald mom as one more interesting thing that can happen in life. It is important to tell them that hair loss does not accompany all medications--you don't want a panicked child the next time she has to take an antibiotic. Older children may be uncomfortable at first and ask that you wear a wig around their friends--but they usually adapt, too. I have heard lots of lovely stories about teenage boys shaving their heads and their friends adopting a welcome of rubbing their hands across bald heads.
I have just learned about this really great book to explain hair loss to younger children. Check it out if this applies to you:
Nowhere Hair, $15.99
By Sue Glader and Dutch fashion illustrator Edith Buenen.
(www.NowhereHair.com <http://www.NowhereHair.com/> ) A whimsically and poignantly illustrated book that focuses on dispelling the worries that cancer brings to children and explaining to them the loss of hair due to chemotherapy. Explains hats, scarves, wigs, going bald in public, and the idea that what is inside of us is far more important than how we look on the outside. Appropriate for ages 3 to 12. One of two books LIVESTRONG.ORG recently recommended to help explain cancer to children.
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