When a family decides to undergo a bone marrow transplant they must prepare themselves for this upcoming event. Knowledge and understanding are key concepts for preparation. Parental preparation must come first. Parents need to have proficient knowledge about this treatment along with confidence and trust in their decision. The family must be able to make educated decisions related to the treatment.
Children pick up on subtle cues and can often read their parents gestures.
Although members of the health care team can assist in preparing a child for transplant, there is nothing as powerful or comforting as parental communication. Most children come to transplant having had previous hospitalizations and treatment. Most children do best with small amounts of honest concrete information. Parents and members of the health care team must remember to use language that is age appropriate to the child. The child must feel that the topic of transplantation is always open for discussion.