5 Ways to Stay Connected With Your Kids This Summer (Even When Cancer Makes It Hard)
Summer is often a time for carefree adventures and memory-making, but when you're navigating cancer you may wonder about how to stay active and involved with your kids. The good news is that connection doesn’t rely on elaborate outings or perfect health—it thrives in the small, intentional moments you share. Here are five gentle, meaningful ways to stay connected with your children this summer, even when cancer makes things more difficult.
1. Prioritize Small Moments Over Big Plans
Big plans might be hard to create and manage while facing cancer. The good news is that it's not really what kids need. Sometimes the best memories and moments are made during the simplest times—sharing a cold treat, lying in the grass spotting shapes in the clouds, or listening to the same audiobook together.
2. Make a Family Summer Playlist
Pick a few songs you love, let your kids add theirs, and build a playlist that becomes your soundtrack for the summer. Whether you're driving to an appointment or resting at home, it’s a way to feel connected through something fun, familiar, and collective.
3. Try a “Yes Day”—Your Way
Let your kids plan the day, but set gentle boundaries that work for you. It might be frozen pancakes for dinner, pajama day, or a movie marathon. The goal is to give them a little freedom and fun while keeping things manageable for you. Listen to their ideas and then work together to adapt, modify, and adjust to make it work for everyone.
4. Start a Shared Journal or Memory Box
Write notes to each other, draw silly pictures, collect ticket stubs or nature finds—whatever feels easy and meaningful. You don’t have to do it daily—just let it grow over time. It’s a way to hold onto summer moments, even the small ones.
5. Stay Involved, Even If You’re Not Up for Everything
You might not always be able to join every activity, and that’s okay. Sit in the shade while they play. Ask them to tell you about their adventure when they get back. Being present—even from the sidelines—still means a lot.
Pickles Group is focused on helping you and your children with honest, age-appropriate information and coping skills. So when things get hard or things change, start by naming that and explaining it to your children. They will be a lot more flexible when they know and understand why things are the way they are and that their feelings about it are acknowledged. For example: "My body is tired right now so running is difficult but let's design the obstacle course together and then I can cheer you on." And lastly, we're focused on peer connection because we know that you're not alone in this experience.
