ABSTRACT
Fundamental to working with children who are dying or bereaved is the ability to listen, to be open to what is happening, and to face and tell the truth. Lenore Hill (Head Nurse at Martin House) makes sure that parents are fully informed about their children's condition, treatment and prognosis, and tries to help them tell the truth. She promises that she won't say bluntly, 'You're dying,' but encourages parents to realise that many children do know and are greatly helped if enabled to talk freely. Indeed, children can feel isolated if adults inhibit honest communication about death. Children themselves raise questions, and they don't ask if they don't want to know.
