• Question: How would you comfort a child in comparison to an adult or make them feel comfortable?

    Asked by Emma to Simon, Shehla, Katharine, Jonathan, Emma, Chris on 12 Jun 2017.
    • Photo: Jonathan Harte

      Jonathan Harte answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      Great Question Emma.
      We often fall into the trap of misjudging what kids can deal with, assuming they won’t understand things or that they shouldn’t be included in discussions about certain issues.
      Often comforting a child involves counselling and comforting the adult with them as kids are perceptive and look for clues from the adults in their life.
      I try to find appropriate language for that child and talk to them, not over them.
      Also the calmer you are, the calmer they will become. talking in a low tone, using gentle movements etc. (it works with adults too)

    • Photo: Emma Rowe

      Emma Rowe answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      I don’t see that many children in practice, but when I do it is either because they are having immunisations/jabs or they are unwell and I am waiting for an ambulance with them.
      I find that children aren’t always the most verbal communicators but they feed off the adults around them so I find it really important to keep the adult with them calm. If they see their parent/guardian is hysterical then they are more likely to become hysterical.
      I always try to include children and young people in their own care as they are the ones dealing with their illness or injections, not their parent, so I talk to them first and then secondarily I will explain to the parent.
      It doesn’t always work out this way as some children would prefer to have a parent speak for them. You just interpret the situation the best you can and leave them a chance to ask questions.

    • Photo: Katharine Bradbury

      Katharine Bradbury answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      For small children I think it’s about coming down to their level and getting their attention. Distraction helps and the promise of a sticker works wonders! For older children I have a wall clock where the hands go round backwards which usually starts a conversation.

      It’s really important to talk to the child as well as the parent so they feel included in the consultation.

    • Photo: Christopher Symonds

      Christopher Symonds answered on 13 Jun 2017:

      As a father of 5 and grandfather of 10 I have learnt over the years that each person irrespective of age has very different needs and require different approaches to each situation. With this in mind I would try and identify what an individual needs and what they respond best to, such as humour, compassion, solitude, reassurance etc.

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