Child and Family Communication

Child and Family Communication

Overview of Communication Impact

• essential in the relationship between nurses and children/families

• Secures trust in healthcare professionals

• Effective and positive communication leads to:

  • Positive health outcomes.

  • Positive parental satisfaction.

Infant Communication

• Contentment Indicators:

  • Soft sounds.

  • Eye contact.

  • Cuddling

  
  

  • Attentiveness to human voice and presence

  • Physical interaction through touch (e.g., stroke, pat).

  • Movements such as rocking and singing.

• Distress Indicators:

  • Crying.

  • Facial quivering.

  • Physical agitation (e.g., arms and legs thrashing, arching the back).

Toddler Communication (Ages 1-3 Years)

• Developmental Milestones:

  • 12-15 months: Can say 3-4 words.

  • 15-18 months: Can say approximately 10 words and name objects.

  • 18-24 months: Can formulate short sentences (3-4 words).

• Characteristics:

  • Egocentric, asserting independence.

• Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Interact at eye level.

  • Use simple language.

  • Incorporate play initially to engage.

Signs to know:

• Eat

• Drink

• More

• All done

Preschooler Communication (Ages 3-5 Years)

• Developmental Milestones:

  • 24-36 months: About 90% of speech becomes comprehensible.

  • Speech is concrete and literal, with a short attention span.

  • Magical thinking- where inanimate objects may come alive

• Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Interact at eye level.

  • Use simple language.

  • Play initially before any assessments.

  • Offer two simple choices to encourage involvement.

"Say This, Not That" Examples for Preschoolers/Toddlers

• Say This:

  • "We will give you warm medicine in your arm."

  • "I will give you medicine through a small needle."

  • "This will feel sore, or very warm (cold)."

  • "The Doctor will make a small opening."

• Not That:

  • "We will give you dye in your arm."

  • "I will give you a shot."

  • "This will hurt."

  • "The Doctor will make a small incision."

School-Age Communication

• Cognitive Development:

  • Ability to use logic.

  • Begin to understand the viewpoint of others- empathy.

  • Large vocabulary; awareness and knowledge of body parts.

• Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Explain procedures honestly.

  • Speak directly to the child.

  • Allow choices to promote autonomy.

Adolescent Communication

• Building Relationships:

  • Focus on building rapport and trust.

• Cognitive Stage:

  • Adolescents can understand complex concepts but may be limited in their past experiences.

• Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Treat adolescents with respect.

  • Provide straightforward explanations of medical procedures.

  • Encourage participation in discussions.

  • Provide choices in decision-making.

Communication with Special Needs Children

• Communication Strategies:

  • Utilize signs and gestures to communicate effectively.

  • Employ picture boards to facilitate understanding.

  • Maintain eye contact

  • physical touch to establish a connection.

• Listening Skills:

  • Be receptive to the child’s body language and nonverbal cues for better interaction.