Chapter 19

what should be considered in communication with children

location, attitude, cognitive development, developmentally appropriate, speech development

what are some parent coping strategies

- emotional support

- parent involved in decisions

- provide needed info

- enable direct caregiving by patient

- assist parents in master care procedures

- foster open communication

what should be assessed talking to a child

- reaction to illness

- trust and respect

- level of understanding

- listen actively

- age-appropriate language and diversions

what is regression + behaviours

when you start acting childish in problematic situations

- whining, demanding, undue attention

what causes regression

feeling powerless + coping with overwhelming and frightening environments

piagets developmental stages (0-2)

sensorimotor- learn by manipulating objects

piagets developmental stages (2-6)

preoperational (imagination use of symbolic thinking, masters reversibility)

piagets developmental stages (7-11)

concrete operational- logical thinking, masters numbers and concrete ideas like classification and conservation

piagets developmental stages (12+)

formal operations- abstract thinking more broader and theoretical perspective

Key communication points by age group are: Infants 0-12 months

Use nonverbal cues like tone of voice, touch, and facial expressions; focus on sounds and gestures

Key communication points by age group are Children 1-3 years

Use simple, clear language; encourage two-way conversation and response; focus on words and early sentences

Key communication points by age group are: Children 3-5 years

Use imagination; engage in conversations and ask open-ended questions; be patient and listen actively

Key communication points by age group are Children 6-11 years

Be clear, specific, and respectful; involve them in decision-making; and listen to their opinions and ideas.

Key communication points by age group are: Children 12+ years

Speak to them with respect, as you would an adult; be open and honest; and involve them in decision-making processes

strategies for communicating with children

- active listening

- authenticity

- respect

- anticipatory guidance

what causes parents stress

inability to act, alleviate pain, offer comfort, uncertain outcome

how to communicate with parents

- Keep parents informed and involved in goal setting.

- Chunk complex information.

- Repeat information and allow time for questions.

- Discuss problems with parents directly and honestly.

- Explore alternatives with parents.

- Share knowledge of community resources.

- Help parents role-play responses to others.

- Acknowledge the impact of the illness on family functioning.

- Personally debrief with other staff members.

community related options for children

community agencies, anticipatory guidance, community support groups