JamesCare for Life offers a variety of family and parenting programs that provide a supportive setting where families can learn about cancer, helpful coping skills and healthy lifestyle choices. In addition to programs geared toward the whole family, JamesCare for Life offers educational and supportive parenting programs for patients and caregivers as they navigate family conversations and ongoing support for their child.
For more information about family or parenting programs, please contact JamesCare for Life at 614-293-6428 or jamescareforlife@osumc.edu. Our staff can answer questions about parenting support and provide resources.
A list of current programs and registration are listed at the bottom of this page under Upcoming Events.
Programs
Family programs
Family programs are designed for families navigating an adult’s cancer diagnosis, such as parent, grandparent or other loved ones. These programs offer an opportunity for families to interact through various activities in a supportive setting. Examples of programs include art workshops, interactive clinic tours, yoga, mindfulness and nutrition classes.
Parenting workshops
Parenting workshops provide education on age-appropriate communication about cancer, common behavioral reactions, coping strategies for kids and families, and helpful responses from adults. Workshop topics may include how to talk about cancer, coping skills for kids/teens, supporting children with intellectual disabilities or neurodivergence and parenting with self-compassion.
Parenting through Cancer Support Group
Parenting through Cancer Support Group is a time for cancer survivors/caregivers to connect and provide peer support to one another as they each navigate parenting through a cancer experience. This virtual group is offered monthly and requires a one-time registration. Grandparents, guardians, and other adult loved ones who provide support to children are welcome to participate. Learn more about all of our support groups.
James Certified Child Life specialists
James Certified Child Life specialists are available to support families navigating through a cancer diagnosis. For one-on-one support, consider asking your James provider about a referral to a child life specialist who is trained in helping children and their families cope with healthcare experiences. You can also request more information about scheduling an appointment with child life by emailing ChildLife@osumc.edu.
Parenting Resources
Education, resources and book recommendations
- JamesCare for Life Parenting through Cancer booklet
- Book recommendations for children, teens and adults
- A Special Book for You: A memory book for an adult patient to fill out and give to a child/teen in their life. Request a mailed copy.
Videos
On-demand videos available at go.osu.edu/JCFLvideos
- Cancer: How to Talk to Your Children
- Talking with Children about a Parent’s Cancer Diagnosis
- My Mom Has Cancer…What Happens Next?
- Helping Children Cope: Advanced Cancers and Grief Before Loss
Grief resources for children and families
- Anticipatory Grief for Family Members/Caregivers
- Death, Loss and Grief - Helping Children and Teens Understand and Cope
For questions about coping before a loss or grieving after a loss, call 614-293-6428 to request a call from The James Bereavement Services or visit James Bereavement Services.
Additional supportive programs at The James
- JamesCare for Life offers educational and supportive programs for survivors, caregivers, and their families focused on the ways life is impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
- Caregiver Support that includes support groups, videos and special programming
- Adolescent and Young Adult programs and services to help patients navigate treatment and adjust to life with a cancer diagnosis.
- The H.O.P.E. Program connects cancer patients or caregivers to someone who has had a similar experience with cancer. Individuals can request to be matched with an available mentor that has experience in parenting through cancer.
- Psychosocial Oncology - Individual counseling at the James for survivors/caregivers