HOW TO TALK TO PARENTS/
CAREGIVERS ABOUT CONCERNS

Sharing sensitive news

One of the most challenging issues for a health care or early years professional working with young children can be relaying concerns about a child’s health or development to a parent or caregiver. When a potential concern is identified, either by observation or screening, the family should be notified so that positive next steps can be taken. In these circumstances, effective communication is essential. It can be very difficult to relay these concerns to parents and caregivers; however, for a child to reach his or her full developmental potential, it is important to have these conversations. If concerns are presented in a positive and caring manner, this will build trust between the professional and the family.

Sharing sensitive news can be challenging both for the family and the person delivering the news. Upon receiving this information about their child, the parent/caregiver may react with a range of emotions including shock, anger, disbelief, fear and sometimes relief at having their observations and questions about their child acknowledged.

Although there is no single way that works best there are some things to keep in mind when addressing concerns with a family. The following framework will provide some tips and encouragement for sharing concerns in a clear, informative, and supportive manner:

Prepare for a successful conversation

• Know the facts

• Plan to meet face to face

• Meet in a private location

• Allow plenty of time without interruptions

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Share the information

• Begin by sharing the child’s strengths and positive behaviours

• Ask the parents/caregivers what they know about their child’s development

• Remember and remind parents/caregivers that they know their child best

• Share observations/concerns that have been noted about the child’s development

• Highlight the expected developmental milestones for the child’s age

• Show concern and compassion

• Explain the consequences of not taking action such as the wait and see approach

• Explain the range of possibilities for supporting the child such as referral, assessment, intervention, etc.
   

Plan for next steps

• Thank parents/caregivers for their support

• Provide available resources for further reading and information

• Ensure that your concerns have been documented and that there is a plan for follow-up action

• Empower the parents/caregivers by enlisting their support to plan a course of action regarding next steps for their child

• Allow time for questions and concerns by the parents/caregivers

• Provide parents/caregivers with available resources such as brochures or contact information

Presenting information in this manner lends credibility to the concerns identified.

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