Objective：The goal of this research is to understand more about parents’ expectations for their cancer-affected children. Methods: A semi-structured interview with 20 families of cancer children took place in a tertiary, level A general hospital in Xinjiang.To obtain qualitative data, phenomenological research methods were used to examine the parents’ short and long-term planning and expectations. Results: Our findings revealed that the expectations of parents of children with cancer may be divided into two broad periods. 1) As part of a short-term strategy. Expectations for children’s physical and mental health,as well as education and the hope that children would be able to adjust to social situations, were at the top of the list. 2) Parents’ long-term expectations were lower in terms of academic success and career planning, but they were more concerned about their children’s marriages and the possibility of kids. Conclusion： Parents were perplexed about their children’s future path choices when they were diagnosed with cancer, and there was a significant difference between anticipation and reality. According to our findings, medical practitioners should make the barriers and tensions faced by children’s families clearer, aid parents and give social support and compassionate care to children’s families.