Tag team parenting of children with cancer

During their child's treatment period for cancer, parents have identified many needs they experienced (Mercer & Ritchie, 1997). This article describes findings from a subset of those parents who were interviewed in order to determine what resources they believed were necessary to meet their needs. The parents (n = 20), representing families who lived in close proximity to the major children's tertiary hospital as well as families who were distanced from the major center, described resources that included informational, emotional, and instrumental support. Although most parents indicated that information was readily available to them, many parents described a lack of instrumental support, such as respite care or financial assistance. When resources were inadequate, it was often because informal support from family and friends was unavailable. Single parents and parents of children with solid tumors indicated that they had fewer resources. The findings demonstrate the experience of parents during their children's treatment period and indicate the need for identifying family supports early in the treatment period.