Family functioning influences childrens’ adjustment to
chronic illness resulting in either well-being (McClellan &
Cohen, 2007) or suffering. One study found that 13–36% of
families with chronic illness had unhealthy levels of family
functioning (Herzer, 2010). However, family functioning in
Thai families of children with thalassemia was found to be no
different from other families with similar characteristics
(Thanarattanakorn et al., 2003). Details of family functioning
level and the intervention to improve functioning are still
unclear. Family empowerment refers to the ability to realize
the family reality, make decisions related to child and family
problems, manage child care, and confidently control family
situations.However,30% ofThai families having children with
thalassemia reported low empowerment (Wacharasin et al.,
2006). Family caregivers, especially mothers of children with
thalassemia,had insufficient information on how to solve child
health problems and provide the best child-care and childrearing
practices (Prasomsuk et al., 2007). Mothers have the
most responsibility to care for their children, have the potential
to promote positive and proactive interactions with families,
and can promote independence and the acquisition of
thalassemia care skills. Often, many mothers are not empowered
to do these tasks.Therefore, families having children with
thalassemia need specific interventions that promote optimal
family functioning and family empowerment.