Talking with children

Question 1

What does the Children act (1989) state?

Answer 1

Children must be kept informed about what happens to them and participate when decisions are made about their future

Question 2

What did the Lewis and Lewis (1990) report show?

Answer 2

Children with asthma and epilepsy showed significant improvement in ability to manage health problems, when directly involved in developing their own healthcare plan

Question 3

Give some good skills to implement when talking with children

Answer 3

1. Welcome/behaviour
2. Eye contact
3. Active listening
4. Turn-taking
5. Facial expression
6. Body language
7. Tone of voice
8. Sense of humour

Question 4

What are the 4 golden rules for talking with children as stated by Geldard and Galdard (2002)?

Answer 4

1. Ask only those questions which are needed
2. Wherever appropriate, use open rather than closed questions
3. Avoid using ‘why’ questions, unless with good reason
4. Never ask questions just to satisfy own curiosity

Question 5

WHO defines adolescence as a period between which ages?

Answer 5

10-19

Question 6

Why are young people commonly reluctant to visit the GP?

Answer 6

Concerns about:

1. Confidentiality
2. Communication
3. Lack of empathy
4. Perception of judgment attitudes of physicians