It is important for your child to understand that is it normal to be worried about things sometimes, and that lots of other people feel the same way. For example, 50% (or half) of all young people are worried about needles.

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It can be hard to know where to start when you want to talk to your child about their worries. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing or making things worse. You might also feel like your child might become upset. Young people don’t always need adults to get it right all the time – it’s much more important for them to understand that you are there for them and want to help.

 

A good time to talk to your child might be when:

• You are somewhere comfortable and familiar

• You can speak privately (without being heard by other people)

• You are doing an activity together that you enjoy, and are both calm and relaxed

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When you speak to your child, you don’t have to dive right in, you can start with something neutral . You might ask them about their day, or something they are looking forward to.

 

Reassure them that you understand they are feeling worried about their treatment/needles and you want to help them.

 

You know your child best, so you’ll know when they are in the right mood to talk and when they might want to be left alone. If they don’t seem to be in the mood to talk right now, reassure them that they can talk to you when they are ready. They could also choose to speak to someone else if they prefer – some children might find it easier to speak to another trusted adult first.

 

When they are ready to talk, you can consider the following topics:

 

Ask them what it feels like when they are worried (in their mind and body)

• Explain that worries are normal (we all have them) and that lots of other young people feel the same way they do

• Tell them you understand why they feel worried about needles

 

Help them to identify when they are starting to get worried

• Talk about the things that happen when they feel worried (like their heart racing, feeling sweaty, having bad thoughts)

• Help your child understand that when they notice these things are happening, they are becoming worried and should try to help themselves feel better or ask for help

 

Think of ways they might help themselves feel better

• Link to child resource bits

• Consider what will work for them

• Which ones might work best during their appointment?

• Would they like to know about their treatment beforehand?

• Do they want to know when their appointment is, or would they prefer to find out on the day?

• What do they want to happen during their appointment

 

You can fill in THIS COMMUNICATION TOOL with your child so you can remember their choices, and you can also share this with their healthcare worker.

 

Find out how they would like you to help them

• Would they like you to come in to their appointment with them or wait outside?

• Would they like to hold your hand?

• Do they want you to ask questions for them?

• Make sure you know what they want so you can support them

 

Encourage them to ask questions

• Be honest with them

• If you don’t know something, say so! Think of ways you might be able to find out – could you ask their healthcare provider?

• Try not to guess if you aren’t sure

• It’s more important for your young person to know that you will be there for them

 

Remind them that they can talk to you about this anytime.