Only a parent can make this decision, relying on the supportive guidance of the child's physician. It is important that parents answer the child's questions with honesty. Talking with your child about death can be extremely difficult. However, even very young children know if they are dying. They see changes in their own bodies and in their medical care, as well as in the way that others interact with them.
Some parents choose the hospital setting for various reasons.
For example, parents may not be comfortable with the idea of the child dying at home, or perhaps the number of people available to provide care at home is not adequate. Some parents decide to take their child home, relying on hospice care to help meet their child's medical needs. Hospice provides supportive care to the child and family, ensuring adequate pain control. There is no right or wrong choice.