Pediatric palliative care is tailored to the unique needs of children and young people living with life-threatening illnesses, from newborns to young adults. Its aim is to provide comprehensive, compassionate support not only to the child but also to their entire family. Although some of these conditions may lead to premature death, pediatric palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care. It also supports children and young people with serious illnesses for whom recovery remains possible, including children undergoing cancer treatment.

The central aim of children’s palliative care is to relieve pain and other symptoms, such as nausea or seizures, to improve the child’s quality of life. It goes beyond medical treatment, taking a holistic approach that embraces the child, their parents and the whole family. Our goal is simple yet essential: more time, a better quality of life and more meaningful moments. Palliative care keeps life at the heart of care, even in the face of illness. We want to help children enjoy everyday life as fully as possible. Depending on their abilities, this may mean going to school, playing or taking part in other activities that matter to them. Above all, we want every child to spend as much time as possible close to the people they love: their parents, siblings and everyone who gives them a sense of safety, warmth and belonging.

One of the challenges in children’s palliative care is understanding children who cannot express how they feel in words, whether because they are very young or because of illness or developmental difficulties. Careful observation and professional expertise are therefore especially important. In babies and toddlers, crying, restlessness or facial expressions can offer subtle clues to pain or discomfort. Gentle approaches that engage the senses can also help support children’s wellbeing. A calm, safe environment with soft lighting, soothing music and other gentle sensory stimulation can help a child relax, feel more settled and experience a sense of security. This can bring greater comfort and improve the quality of everyday moments.

Family involvement is at the heart of pediatric palliative care. Parents and siblings are actively involved in decisions about the child’s care and receive comprehensive guidance and support. This includes psychosocial support, access to respite care, and counselling during difficult times. The aim is to strengthen the family, ease the challenges they face, and help them navigate this demanding journey together. Support does not end when a child dies; pediatric palliative care services also provide ongoing bereavement support to families as they grieve.