Parenting When You’re in a Clinical Trial

Start with age-appropriate conversations

Younger children may benefit from simple explanations. School-age children may want more details. Adolescents may prefer more direct conversations.²

If you are participating in a clinical trial, you might say:

“I’m part of a research study where doctors are learning more about treatments and cancer care.”

You do not need to explain everything. Keeping it simple is often enough.

Make room for questions

Children may ask the same questions more than once as they process information. Encouraging questions and answering honestly, within what you know, can help.

If you do not have an answer, it is okay to say:

“I don’t know that yet, but I will share more when I can.”

When families talk openly, children often handle things better emotionally.³

Maintain routines where possible

Daily routines related to meals, school, and bedtime can help families cope more successfully.¹

When changes are expected, preparing children ahead of time may help:

“I’ll be at the clinic longer on Tuesdays, so someone else will pick you up from school.”

Talk about feelings

Treatments may leave you tired or needing a ride home. Planning ahead can ease stress and help you feel more prepared. Before your first appointment, try to:

Children often take cues from adults. Show them it’s okay to talk about their emotions.²

You might say:

“I feel tired today because of treatment.”

“It’s okay to feel worried or upset.”

Open conversations about emotions have been associated with better adjustment in some children facing a parent’s illness.¹

Address common fears

Children may have concerns they do not always express, such as whether they caused the illness or whether it is contagious.

Clear reassurance can help. Cancer is not caused by anything a child did, and it is not something they can catch.²

Give yourself permission

Parenting during cancer treatment, and during a clinical trial, can require flexibility. There may be times when routines change, or conversations feel incomplete.

Children may benefit from feeling cared for, supported, and included. You do not need to have all the answers.

Final thoughts

If you are unsure what to say, a simple message, such as the following, can help:

“My body isn’t working quite the way it should right now. I have an illness that the doctors are helping me with. We can talk about this or answer any questions you may have at any time.”

You can tailor your message based on the age of your children.

Patients and families are encouraged to speak with their healthcare team about their specific situation because every family is different.

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