A variety of materials to assist you during these trying times: books, planners, articles, apps, TV shows and more…

A variety of materials to assist you during these trying times: books, planners, articles, apps, TV shows and more…

Managing Meals & Family Needs
Digital Resources

Caregivers

  1. Healthcare Toolbox: For Patients and Families Information and resources to help children and families cope with stress reactions following illnesses and injuries.
  2. After the Injury: Helping Parents Help Their Kids Recover Information, videos, and tools to help parents understand children’s reactions to serious injury and promote recovery. Allows parents to rate their child’s reactions and create a care plan for their child.
  3. Devereux Center for Resilient Children Resources for caregivers to help build resilience in children as well as themselves.
  4. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation – Resources for Families Provides resources for caregivers to help your child cope with a brain tumor.
  5. National Association of School Psychologists – Trauma Information for parents and educators on childhood trauma.
  6. National Child Traumatic Stress Network Information and resources for parents and children who have experienced a trauma, including: abuse, community or school violence, natural disasters, war, terrorism, illness or injury, or the loss of a loved one.
  7. The National Childhood Cancer Society – Beyond the Cure Information and resources to prepare survivors and their families for life after treatment.
  8. Distraction in Action Tool – A free, web-based app that provides recommendations on how to use distraction during medical procedures based on your individual child.
  9. Fundacian Natali Dafne Flexer – Spanish-language resources with information on the entire family’s experience with childhood cancer, a free library of downloadable books and an app.
  10. Hope Portal – A database of pediatric cancer-focused organizations that can be filtered by location, type and diagnosis.
  11. Courageous Parents Network – Offers information on self-care, sibling needs, bereavement and end of life care through articles, guided pathways and video.

Caregivers and Kid-Friendly

  1. Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Provides information, support, and resources to children, adolescents and caregivers who have been impacted by a burn injury, as well as the community around them.
  2. PBS Kid’s Arthur Family Health – Resilience Resources, activities and videos to help caregivers and children cope with traumatic events and build resilience.
  3. KidsHealth Information about child health, behavior, and development for kids / niños, teens / adolescentes and  parents/ padres.
  4. The Experience Journals Collections of stories, videos, and personal experiences from families about what it has been like to live with their children’s illnesses.
  5. Band-Aids and Blackboards Information by and for children and teens living with long-term or chronic medical illnesses, and the adults in their lives.
  6. Canteen Free and tailored support for people ages 12-25 impacted by their or a family member’s cancer. Services include online communities, information guides and online counseling for patients, siblings and caregivers.

Kid-Friendly

  1. About Kid’s Health – Just for Kids Age-appropriate information and animations for kids on many different health topics.
  2. Worry Wise Kids Information to help children with excessive worries or fears.
  3. National Sleep Foundation (Kids) Child-friendly website about sleep.
  4. InvisiYouth A community for teens and young adults around the world with various chronic illnesses and disabilities.
  5. A Moment of Magic Unlimited High-quality, fun, and engaging digital programming on demand including story times with superheroes, arts and crafts  with a princess, and unique collaborations with celebrities, athletes, and magic makers across the country. Zoom calls with characters and in-person visits are also available by request.

Siblings

  1. JustSibs An interactive, digital experience to help teens and pre-teens navigate the many challenges that come with having a sibling with an illness or injury. Through visual storytelling and supportive activities, kids are given a safe space to explore, and learn to manage, a wide variety of feelings that they may face.
  2. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation – SuperSibs! Resources for parents and extended family to help support siblings when a brother or sister has cancer.  Caregivers can sign their child up for the SuperSibs! program where they will receive age-appropriate mailings a few times throughout the year.
  3. Siblings Australia Provides support to young, teen and adult siblings of children facing chronic conditions including disability, chronic illness and mental health issue.
  4. Sibs.org UK-based website with resources of young and adult siblings of people with disabilities. Provides information, tips and access to sibling advisors for questions, as well as online and in-person support groups for UK-based adults.
  5. Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities Offers downloadable multimedia resources applicable to all conditions and in person artistic programming.
Podcasts
  1. InvisiYouth Chat Sessions Episode 76: InvisiYouth Chat Sessions with Director of Family Support, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Katie Holcomb Director of Family Support and PTSD Services for the nonprofit, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Katie Holcomb, knows the importance of caregivers and siblings in the lives of young people living with chronic illness/disability and how to best serve this bond professionally and personally. The nonprofit is inspired by her late brother, Ryan, who passed away at 17 from osteosarcoma, and Katie’s passion to have initiatives and sibling programs to help families cope when loved ones struggle with health issues is deeply impactful. Available on Apple, YouTube, Spotify and most major platforms. 
  2. Child Life on Call Episode 151: Gavin + Cindy’s Story: A Son with Osteosarcoma – Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan’s diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan’s legacy lives on today.
  3. Help and Hope Happen Here Season 2, Episode 164 – Katie Holcomb talks about her brother Ryan’s battle with Osteosarcoma, her own experience as a sibling, and Ryan’s Case For Smiles’ PTSD initiative and sibling program.
  4. Clayton’s Voice Episode 2: Through a Sibling’s Eyes – As a teen, CFS’ Katie Holcomb watched her younger brother battle cancer for six years before sadly passing away at 17. This gives her a unique insight into the sibling experience.
Apps

Free Apps: Name • Age • Device

  1. Worry Box by Excel At Life
    6-16 • Android
  2. Nature Melody by Lina Elsayed
    6+ • Apple
  3. Breathe2Relax
    ‌6+ • Android/Apple
  4. Songza
    ‌13+ • Android/Apple
  5. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street
    ‌4+ • Apple/Android
  6. Stop, Breathe & Think
    ‌10+ • Apple/Android
  7. Settle Your Glitter
    ‌ ‌4+ • Apple/Android
  8. Super Stretch Yoga HD
    ‌4+ • Apple iPad
  1. Headspace: Guided Meditation and Mindfulness
    4+ • Apple
  2. Breathing Bubbles
    5+ • Android/Apple
  3. Wellbeyond Meditations for Kids
    7+ • Apple
  4. Touch and Learn Emotions
    4+ • Apple
  5. Bubble Snap
    3+ • Apple
  6. Recolor
    4+ • Apple
  7. Take a Chill
    12+ • Apple
  8. Avokiddo Emotions
    4+ • Apple
Paid Apps:
  1. Positive Penguins
    9-11 • Apple: $.99 /Android: $1.99
  2. Bedtime Meditations for Kids
    Up to 12 • Apple: $ 4.99
  3. Mindfulness for Children
    5+ • Apple: $4.99
  4. Kids Yogaverse
    4-8 • Apple: $3.99
  1. Scape
    8+ • iPad: $5.99
  2. Drift Away
    9+ • Apple: $.99
  3. Zen Bound Universe
    9+ • Apple: $2.99
  4. Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings
    3+ • Android/Apple: $2.99

Books for Caregivers
  1. Children and Trauma: A Guide For Parents and Professionals. Cynthia Monahon, Jossey-Bass Publishers; San Francisco; 1997.
  2. Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcome Your Child’s Fears, Worries and Phobias. Tamar Chansky; Broadway Books; New York; 2004.
  3. A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Your Child Roots and Wings. Kenneth R. Ginsburg and Martha M. Jablow; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006.
  4. Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You. Mary Mackrain and Nefertiti Bruce Poyner.
  5. Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent’s Guide Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma. Meghan L. Marsac and Melissa J. Hogan; 2021.
Books for Children and Teens

Feelings

  1. What to Do What You’re Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids. James J. Crist; Free Spirit Publishing; 2004.
  2. What to Do When You’re Sad & Lonely: A Guide for Kids. James J. Crist; Free Spirit Publishing; 2004.
  3. When I Feel Scared. (for young children) Cornelia Maude Spelman; Albert Whitman & Co.; Morton Grove; 2002.
  4. A Terrible Thing Happened. Margaret M. A Holmes; Magination Press; 2000.
  5. Ruby Finds a Worry. Tom Percival; Bloomsbury Children’s Books; 2018.
  6. The Rabbit Listened. Cori Doerrfeld; Dial Books; 2014.
  7. In My Heart. Jo Witek; Abrams Appleseed; 2014.
  8. When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief. M. Heegard; Bloomington Woodland Press; 1991.

Separation Anxiety (Young – School Age Children)

  1. My Day, Your Day. Robin Ballard; Greenwillow Books; 2001.
  2. A Suitcase Surprise for Mommy. Cat Cora; The Penguin Group; 2011.
  3. Llama Llama Misses Mama. Anna Dewdney; The Penguin Group; 2009.
  4. Don’t Forget to Come Back. Robie Harris; Candlewick; 2004.
  5. The Kiss Box. Bonnie Verburg; Orchard Books; 2011.
  6. The Invisible String. Patrice Karst; Devorss & Co.; 2000.
  7. The Kissing Hand. Audrey Penn; Tanglewood; 1993.

Going to the Hospital

  1. Clifford Visits the Hospital. Norman Bridwell; Scholastic, Inc.; 2000.
  2. When You’re Sick or in the Hospital. Tom McGrath; Abbey Press; 2002.
  3. What’s In a Doctor’s Bag. Nell Shulman & Sibley Fleming; Rx Humor; 1994.
  4. Going to the Doctor. T. Berry Brazelton; Da Capo Press; 1992.
  5. Going to the Hospital. Anne Civardi; Usborne Books, 2006.
  6. Harry Goes to the Hospital. Howard J. Bennett; American Psychological Association; 2008.
  7. Curious George Goes to the Hospital. H. Rey; Houghton-Mifflin; 1966.
  8. Rita Goes to the Hospital. Maritine Davison; Random House, Inc.; 1992.
  9. Corduroy Goes to the Doctor. L. McCue; Viking Children’s Books; 2001.
  10. Maisy Goes to the Hospital. Lucy Cousins; Candlewick; 2009.
  11. My Trip to the Hospital. Mercer Mayer; Harper Collins; 2005.
  12. When Molly Was in the Hospital: A Book for Brothers and Sisters of Hospitalized Children. D. Duncan; Rayve Productions;1994.
  13. Franklin Goes to the Hospital. Paulette Bourgeois; Random House, Inc.; 1985.
  14. Sesame Street, A Visit to the Hospital. Deborah Hautzig; Random House, Inc.; 1985.
  15. This is a Hospital, Not a Zoo! Roberta Karim; Clarion Books, Reprint edition; 2002.
  16. Paddington Bear Goes to the Hospital. Michael Bond, Karen Jankel and R. W. Alley; Harpers Collins; 2001.
  17. Katie Goes to the Hospital. Barbara Taylor Cork; Brighter Child; 2002.
  18. Going to the Hospital. Fred Rogers; Putnam, Reprint edition; 1997.
  19. Do I Have to Go to the Hospital? A First Look at Going to the Hospital. Pat Thomas; Barron’s Educational Series; August, 2006.
  20. I Don’t Want to go to the Hospital (A Little Princess Story). Tony Ross; Andersen Press; 2013.
  21. I Don’t Want to go to the Hospital (A Little Prince Story). Tony Ross; Andersen Press; 2013.
  22. What to Expect When You Go to the Doctor. Heidi Murkoff; Festival; 2000.

For Siblings

  1. Oliver’s Story. Michael Dodd; Candlelighters Childhood Cancer; 2004.
  2. What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick. Allan Peterkin; Magination Press; 1992.
  3. Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling. Sharon Wozney; Little Five Star; 2016.
  4. The Sibling Slam Book: What It’s Really Like to Have a Brother or Sister With Special Needs. Don Meyer; Woodbine House; 2005.
  5. When Molly Was in the Hospital. Debbie Duncan; Rayve Productions Inc; 1994.
  6. Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket. Sally Loughridge; Maine Authors Publishing; 2015.
  7. The Perfect Shelter. Clare Helen Welsh; Kane Miller Books/EDC Publishing; 2020.

Bereavement and Grief

  1. Why Do I Feel So Sad? A Grief Book for Children. Tracy Lambert-Prater LPC; Rockridge Press; 2020.
  2. Still Mine. Jayne Pillager; HarperCollins; 2020.
  3. Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddlers Guide to Understanding Death. Bonnie Zucker; Magination Press; 2016.
  4. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief. Joanna Rowland; Spark House Family; 2017.
  5. Lifetimes: A Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children Bryan Mellonie; Bantam; 2009.
  6. The Heart and the Bottle. Oliver Jeffers; Philomel Books, 2010.
  7. Riley Rabbit Learns About Death. Ashley Hall; Mascot Kids; 2022.
  8. Ida, Always. Caron Levis; Atheneum Books for young Readers; 2016.
TV Shows for Young Children
  1. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Episode 102: Daniel Visits School/Daniel Visits the Doctor; Episode 103: Daniel’s Babysitter/Daniel Goes to School; Episode 104: Daniel Gets Mad/Katerina Gets Mad
  2. Sesame Street Sesame Street Visits the Hospital; Elmo and Chris Sing about Feelings; Name that Emotion with Murray!
  3. Curious George Season 1, Episode 12: Doctor Monkey; Season 3, Episode 12: Relax!
  4. Doc McStuffins All Episodes
  5. Arthur After the Storm; April 9th
Resources for Educators
  1. National Association of School Psychologists – Supporting Students Experiencing Childhood Trauma Tips for parents and educators to support children impacted by trauma.
  2. National Association of Secondary School Principals – Responding to Students’ Chronic Illnesses Information on supporting students experiencing chronic illnesses.
  3. School Sibling Support Form A form to be used as a reference and discussion guide for siblings of children with illnesses and injuries, their parents and school staff.
  4. Supporting Students Whose Sibling has a Life-Changing Illness or Injury Webinar Free webinar on supporting children with siblings with cancer and other illnesses and injuries at school. This webinar is worth 1 CE hour.
  5. La Escolaridad del Nino con Enfermedad Oncológica – Se trata de una guía para acompañar a la comunidad educativa cuando uno de sus alumnos es diagnosticado con una enfermedad oncológica. Brinda información que ayudará a facilitar la continuidad y la reinserción escolar del niño enfermo de cáncer, teniendo en cuenta que el rol de los docentes es clave para que esto sea posible.

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