NPR

How to talk to kids about a cancer diagnosis in the family

Kate Middleton said she took time to explain her cancer diagnosis to her children. What does an ideal version of that conversation look like?
When relaying the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis to kids, it's important to give them time to process the information, says Elizabeth Farrell, a clinical social worker at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In an emotional message to the world, Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed on Friday that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

She said it had been a tough couple of months for her family, and that she focused on comforting and communicating with her young children.

"Most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that's appropriate to them and to reassure them that I'm going to be OK," she said.

But what does an appropriate and reassuring conversation with children about a

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