Instructions: 

In the midst of illness, it is important for children to be invited to routinely share thoughts, feelings, and questions. Often these conversations are broken up into little bits of information over time. A playful way to invite communication about illness is to play telephone. This activity can help with information sharing and for children to communicate questions they may have in a non-threatening way. This activity is meant for lighter illness updates.  

1. Let children know you have more information you’d like to share about mom/dad’s illness. 
2. Sit in a circle. 
3. Have a parent begin – each can share one bit of information about the illness that may be new since the last family meeting. 
4. One parent will whisper the message to the person to their right or left, and then encourage them to share with the next person until it reaches the last family member in the circle. This family member shares aloud what the message was. 
5. The message will likely change from the first person to the last, but it might be comical. Just be sure that the correct initial message is shared after the laugh so that everyone keeps information straight.
6. Examples: 
   • Dad has had 3 rounds of chemo since our last meeting. 
   • Mom has lost her hair. 
   • Mom had new scans and the cancer is GONE! 
7. After information sharing, helping children share their thoughts, feelings and questions will be important. Have one person start by whispering the statement into a neighbor’s ear, and then continue around the circle until it reaches the last person. This person relays the message aloud.  
8. Examples: 
   • Is the cancer all gone?
   • I have felt worried at school.
   • I keep thinking I may catch the illness.  
9. Once a thought, question or feeling is shared, parents can respond with more information, validation of the feelings and/or acknowledgment of the thoughts that are coming up for the children. 
10. While you may not be able to address each question or feeling that is shared, it can be valuable for children to share their thoughts and feelings aloud – to be heard and to help children better realize feelings and think about ways to manage those feelings.