When we think of parenting advice, we often focus on helping our kids grow:
How to raise responsible teens. How to discipline with love. How to build confidence.

But what happens when you, the parent, are suddenly the one who needs care?

As a pediatrician and coach, I’ve walked with many parents — mostly moms — through the overwhelming experience of managing a serious diagnosis like breast cancer while still showing up for their children. And as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to talk about something we don’t often say out loud:

Being a good mom doesn’t mean being invincible.

It means showing up the best you can — even when your body or heart is hurting — and modeling honesty, resilience, and self-care for your kids. Let’s talk about what that looks like in real life.

Talking to Your Kids About Illness

One of the hardest parts of navigating a diagnosis is deciding how much to tell your children. Here’s what I want you to know: Children don’t need all the information. They just need the right amount, at the right time.

Here are a few tips based on your child’s age and developmental stage: