Support and guidance for yourself
Structure
It helps to maintain as much of your family’s usual routine as possible, such as work, childcare, and playdates for brothers and sisters. This provides a sense of calm and stability.
Asking for help
Ask people around you for help with practical things like grocery shopping, cooking, or watching your child for an hour so you can take a break for yourself.
Support through the municipality (WMO)
If caring for your child becomes overwhelming and you do not have enough support from your own network, you can contact your municipality to find out what extra help is available.
This may include household assistance, parental support at home, transport to school, a disabled parking permit, or financial support for self-employed persons.
Your medical social worker can help you explore the possibilities.
Time for yourself
Even though it may feel difficult, try to make some time for yourself now and then. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of your child and your family. Think of small things like going for a walk, having a cup of tea, or resting while your child sleeps. During a hospital stay, you can hang a communication card on the door to let the care team know you do not want to be disturbed for a while. You might even want to block “me time” in your calendar. You can find tips for relaxation on Thuisarts.nl.
Tips for better sleep
When your child is seriously ill, it can affect your sleep. This leaflet offers practical advice for parents. In addition, many health insurers offer free online sleep courses. Check your health insurer’s website for more information.
Your medical social worker can help if you have further questions or need support.
Book suggestions
Are you looking for recognition, support, or information during a difficult time? These books may be helpful while your child is receiving treatment at the Princess Máxima Center, or afterwards. They include titles about grief, resilience, parenting, and coping with cancer.
Op Koers Online course for parents
The Princess Máxima Center offers online group courses for parents of children currently in treatment and for parents whose child has completed treatment. You can find more information about Op Koers Online here.
Dutch Childhood Cancer Association
The Dutch Childhood Cancer Association provides extensive information about coping with your child’s illness and its impact on your family, your social life, school, and work. Visit kinderkankernederland.nl or stop by the association’s desk in the hospital lobby. There you can meet experienced volunteers who truly understand what you and your family are going through.
Leaflet “What to expect when your child has cancer”
This leaflet shares practical tips and insights from parents who have gone through similar experiences. It is available from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association and can also be downloaded from their website.
Princess Máxima Center website and parent newsletter
You can find a wealth of information for parents on the Princess Máxima Center website. There is also a newsletter for parents, which you can subscribe to via this link.
Other websites
You can also find practical information for parents of children who are ill, have been ill, or are in hospital on these websites: