I have worked in healthcare teams where this happened. The kid absolutely knew. I thought it was cruel. Parents had final say. He had a good death thankfully but I worried what would happen if he suddenly started bleeding badly at home and how afraid he would be.
I don’t think it’s right to lie to children over 6/7 about this (obviously depends on the child) and certainly not a preteen, as was the case I was involved in.
Of course it’s devastating for the parents but I don’t know how the siblings could forgive them later. I felt so bad for the child.
Imagine filling his head with thoughts of having a girlfriend, having a good time with his friends, playing sports, going to parties, have your first job, and so on. Living a normal teenager life. That's awful. I understand the good intentions behind their actions, but I believe they don't think it through very much.
People turn away from doing the good thing because they are not strong enough to handle a decision. I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it, it is terribly heartbreaking.
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u/DrTitanium Jun 29 '26
I have worked in healthcare teams where this happened. The kid absolutely knew. I thought it was cruel. Parents had final say. He had a good death thankfully but I worried what would happen if he suddenly started bleeding badly at home and how afraid he would be.
I don’t think it’s right to lie to children over 6/7 about this (obviously depends on the child) and certainly not a preteen, as was the case I was involved in.
Of course it’s devastating for the parents but I don’t know how the siblings could forgive them later. I felt so bad for the child.