Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself while your child is facing cancer can feel impossible—but it is one of the most important gifts you can give both them and yourself. You pour so much love, strength, and energy into your child that it’s easy to forget your own needs, or to feel guilty for even having them. But your wellbeing is not a distraction from their care—it is a vital part of it. When you rest, breathe, nourish your body, or lean on support, you aren’t stepping away from your child… you’re strengthening your ability to keep showing up for them. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a lifeline. It is how you stay grounded, present, and emotionally steady through one of the hardest journeys a parent can face. You deserve compassion, too.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care is often the last thing on a parent’s mind when a child is battling cancer, yet it plays a crucial role in helping you show up with clarity and strength. Even the smallest acts of care—taking a sip of water, breathing deeply, or stepping outside for a moment—can make a meaningful difference in your ability to process information, make decisions, and stay emotionally steady. These small resets help you regulate your feelings, reduce overwhelm, and maintain patience during difficult moments. They protect you from burnout and allow you to bring calm to your child when they need it most.
Self-care isn’t just about you—it directly affects your child’s wellbeing. When they see you model healthy coping skills, they learn how to cope too. Your emotional and physical health are essential parts of the caregiving journey, not optional extras. By taking time to nurture your own needs, you strengthen your ability to show up fully for your child. Remember: caring for yourself is not selfish. It is an act of courage, love, and survival in a situation that asks more of you than most people could ever imagine.
Ways to Take Care of Yourself
Caring for yourself doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Micro-moments of self-care—just one to five minutes—can help refuel your mind and body throughout the day. Drinking a full glass of water, stretching, stepping into the hallway for fresh air, washing your face, or taking five slow breaths can reset your nervous system in meaningful ways. Listening to a favorite song or sending a quick text to someone who supports you can lift your spirits and give you a sense of connection. These tiny pauses aren’t luxuries—they are lifelines. And just as important is giving yourself permission to rest. Remind yourself that resting is not abandoning your child; rest is part of being strong enough to continue fighting beside them.
Self-care also means allowing others to help you without guilt. You are not weak for accepting support—you are human. Let people bring meals, run errands, clean, drive, or sit with your child so you can breathe. Talking to someone who understands—a counselor, a trusted friend, a mentor parent, or a support group—can ease the emotional weight you’re carrying. Setting small boundaries is another essential form of care: it’s okay to ask someone to text instead of call, to decline conversations, or to pause sharing updates when your heart needs quiet. And through it all, remember to notice and celebrate your small victories. You got through another day. You made your child smile. You kept going in a moment that felt impossible. These wins matter—because you matter.
A Loving Message for Mighty Parents
As you walk this incredibly difficult road, please remember that you deserve the same compassion, care, and gentleness that you give your child every single day. You are carrying a weight no parent should ever have to hold, yet you continue to show up with courage, tenderness, and unwavering love. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it is an act of strength, a way of protecting your heart so you can continue supporting theirs. Be patient with yourself, forgive the moments you feel overwhelmed, and honor the small victories you make each day. And know this deeply: you are not alone. The Mighty Like Myles Foundation stands with you, believing in your strength, supporting your journey, and reminding you that you are doing an extraordinary job. You are mighty, you are loved, and you are worthy of care too.