What should I tell my child's siblings?
Talk to any other children and explain what will be happening within your family while their sibling is having the transplant. It is important, to be honest and use words that children will understand.
If your child's donor is their sibling, be honest about the procedure that they will have and why they are donating their bone marrow. Encourage your donor child to discuss their feelings about their role. It is important that your donor child can express their concerns.
You can find out more about sibling transplants at Sibling stem cell transplants | Anthony Nolan.
Telling your child's school or college
If your child attends school or college, you will need to inform them about the plans for the BMT. They will tell you what they require in terms of paperwork, such as a letter from your doctor to explain the absence period.
The school is, by law, obliged to make every effort to stay in touch with your child during any prolonged absence. The school must try to write to, email or video call your child wherever possible and send regular communications to help them feel connected. They should also attempt to inform you and your child about the work that is being missed and provide teaching materials where possible. You can find out more information about the support you should be given at Illness and your child's education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Your child will typically receive age-appropriate schooling in hospital. This may be for only one hour per day. Your BMT nurse should be able to provide you with information about this.
Letters, photos and messages from classmates can be a highlight of the day once your child is in hospital, so do ask the school or college if they can support your child in this way.
Your faith and spirituality
If you have religious beliefs, speak to your faith leader before your child is admitted to hospital. Let your child's BMT nurse know if you would like support from hospital faith leaders during the transplant.
Travelling to the hospital
Plan ahead. If you need help organising transport to the hospital, speak to your BMT nurse as soon as possible.
Staying connected with friends and family
Plan how you will stay in contact with family and friends while you are in hospital. Make sure that your phone contains all the phone numbers you need, such as your child's school, doctors and nurses. Consider using FaceTime, Zoom and WhatsApp video calls to stay in contact.
Other useful sources of information and support
The Anthony Nolan charity has extensive information and guides for families whose child is having a BMT: Support for parents, family and friends | Anthony Nolan
The Rainbow Trust supports families who have children with serious conditions in hospital: What Rainbow Trust does | Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
Posted January 2026
