Interacting with Children

Question 1

List the types of Communication Skills whch helps you effectively interact with children.

Answer 1

Active Listening
Empathising
Reflecting
Probing
Clarifying
Summarising
Body Language

Question 2

Explain how you use:

• Active Listening
• Probing
• Summarising
• Clarifying
• Body Language

Answer 2

Active Listening

• Allowing child to talk without interrupting and do not rush the child to share everything in one session
• Maintain appropriate eye contact to show interest in the child

Probing

• Ask closed questions to get “yes” “no” answers to confirm facts gathered
• Ask open questions to encourage child to talk about his or her thoughts, feelings and and concerns. Use 5W1H.

Clarifying
- Get child to paraphrase what you have said to check his/her understanding
By rephrasing what he/she said in your own words to ensure you understood what they are trying to say correctly.

Summarising

• Summarise midway through conversation to ensure that you understood the child correctly
• Reeassure the child that you are genuinely interested in him/her that you are trying your best to help him/her

Body language

• Maintain appropriate degree of eye contact to show interest in the child
• Speak gently without sending bored

Question 3

Name 4 strategies to engage children.

Answer 3

• Establishing rapport
• Gaining trust & acceptance
• Use age-appropriate communication style
• Employing creative techniques

Question 4

Elaborate:

• Establishing rapport
• Gaining trust & acceptance
• Use age-appropriate communication style
• Employing creative techniques

Answer 4

• Establishing rapport
  1. Introduce yourself briefly to the child
  2. Put the child at ease by asking his/her hobbies/interest
  3. Join in some parts of the child’s daily life if possible, such as playing or working with him/her to show that you are interested in his/her life.
• Gaining trust & acceptance
  1. Listen attentively and patiently to the child, allowing him/her to express feelings of distress, fear, insecurity, etc. without interrupting.
  2. Acknowledge and respect child’s opinions to gain his/her respect.
  3. Exhibit appropriate body language to show that you are a friendly, approachable and warm person.
• Use age-appropriate communication style
  1. Speak at the child’s level and at the language that he/she is familiar with and can understand easily.
  2. Use simple language and avoid jargons.
  3. Talk about topics that the child can relate to and is of relevance to his/her age.
• Employing creative techniques
  1. Encourage the child to draw to without influencing him/her
  2. Tell inspiring stories which he/she could relate to
  3. Use puppets and masks in make-believe plays to communicate ideas and feelings that are hard to say.

Question 5

Name the 4 Ethical Considerations when interacting with children.

Answer 5

1. Safeguarding privacy and confidentiality of children
2. Respect for children
3. Maintaining physical and professional boundaries
4. Safety of children

Question 6

Describe how you apply:

Safeguarding privacy and confidentiality of children

Answer 6

1. Solicit information from the child only if it is essential for assessing needs and providing relevant services and support.
2. Obtain consent from the child (or the legal guardian if the child is unable to grant informed consent) for recording confidential information gathered during assessment or any other interactions.
3. Avoid discussing the case outside the professional context with anyone, and in any public or semi-public areas such as walkway, pantry, toilet, etc.
4. Always ensure any records of information related to the child are kept under lock and key to prevent any unauthorised access.

Question 7

Describe how you have:

Respect for children

Answer 7

1. Respect the child as an individual, and value his/her dignity and worth.
2. Avoid using derogatory or offensive language in your communication with the child.
3. Respect individual differences and avoid stereotyping or discriminating any child.
4. Respect and support child’s wishes and rights to participate in your proposed interventions.

Question 8

Describe how you apply:

Maintaining physical and professional boundaries

Answer 8

1. Refrain from any physical contact with the child, unless such contact is necessary for responding to his/her needs at that time.
2. Maintain appropriate professional image in your dressing and appearance by promoting a positive and professional image.
3. Practice within the boundaries of your competence and seek help from colleagues or supervisor when circumstances challenges your professional expertise.

Question 9

Describe how you ensure:

Safety of children

Answer 9

1. Take all steps to ensure the environment in which you work with the child is conducive and non-threatening.
2. In private and in the absence of the abusive parent.
3. In a room that is safe and free from hazards that may cause accidents.

Question 10

Name the types of risks / areas of safety when conducting activities for children.

Answer 10

1. Outdoor accidents and injuries
   - falling down during play
   - running and climbing
   - slip and fall during water activities
2. Indoor accidents and injuries
   - cuts due to improper use of scissors
   - tripping over loose wires, bags, bottles
3. Other accidents and injuries related to fire, heat and electricity
   - fire, heat, electricity
   - burns by hot water
   - candles
   - electric shocks
4. Infectious diseases
   - physical contact with or exposure to other children who are infected

Question 11

Describe the Safety Precautions for Trips and Falls.

Answer 11

1 Check surface of ground is safe (skid-proof), free from obstacles (sands, rocks), and bags, toys lying around

2. Check equipment that they are safe to use - wires does not pose as risks
3. Use protective gear - wrist guards, knee pads, helmets
4. Communicate all rules and expected behaviours clearly to the children before starting activity
5. Discourage inappropriate behaviours and enforce rules consistently
6. Supervise the activity and remove misbehaving child if any

Question 12

How do you manage Handling Accidents?

Answer 12

1. Calling police, fire brigade, ambulance where necessary
2. Enlist help of colleagues

3 Manage scene - disperse crowd, reassure and comfort the child

3. Provide first aid and monitor condition of child Or rush child to hospital for advanced injuries
4. Inform child’s parents or next-of-kin
5. Notify management of the accident - immediate or through incident report
6. Implement preventive measures