All genders

Play is how tamariki (children) make sense of the world around them. In hospital, it helps them to express their feelings and worries, understand what is happening and cope with treatment. This information is for child cancer patients in hospital but is also relevant to any child in hospital.

Sometimes, if your child has lost a lot of weight or has not been eating very well for a period of time, they may need tube feeding. 

Some medicines used during cancer treatment can temporarily change the way food tastes for your child. This can affect their appetite and enjoyment of meals.

Diabetes-related distress and mental health concerns are common in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) living with diabetes. Support is available to help you and your whānau (family).

All tamariki (children) need nourishing food to grow, stay strong, and feel their best. For tamariki going through cancer treatment, eating well becomes even more important. A balanced diet helps their bodies heal, fight infection, and cope with treatment.

A natural disaster can be upsetting for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). It's normal to have strong feelings, reactions and changes in their behaviour. Tamariki learn from their parents’ responses, as well as what they see and hear in the media.

Information for parents and carers about the use of gabapentin for neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage).

Helping tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) with diabetes to move towards self-management has 3 key parts: having knowledge, having skills and having support.

Cleaning your hands gets rid of germs you pick up from other people. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses.

Many tamariki (children) with cancer experience fatigue (extreme tiredness). Many tamariki are experiencing fatigue at the time of diagnosis. Most tamariki with cancer experience fatigue during treatment.

Hair loss happens when chemotherapy interrupts normal hair growth. Hair loss is usually temporary and your child's hair may regrow even before treatment ends.

Chemotherapy will make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn more easily. Sunscreen (SPF30 or more), a hat and clothing which covers the skin are very important.

Constipation is common during cancer treatment. It means your child may poo less often than usual, have trouble doing a poo, or their poo may be hard and difficult to pass.

It’s common for tamariki (children) to lose their appetite during cancer treatment. This can be due to side effects like nausea, taste changes, or feeling full quickly. Your child’s healthcare team will keep a close eye on their weight and nutrition throughout treatment.

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects during chemotherapy, and can sometimes last for several days after the chemotherapy treatment stops. 

Some tamariki (children) develop a sore mouth and throat during chemotherapy. This happens because treatment can weaken the lining of the mouth, leading to inflammation or ulcers. A sore mouth can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable - but there are ways to help.