Actions speak louder than words

Body language can both support and contradict the message you are giving so it’s important to ensure that the words you say and the way you hold your body complement each other to avoid confusion.

Maintain eye contact, if possible, and remember to smile – children will always respond better to a smile rather than a frown.

Squatting down to the same level as the child can also support effective communication as it shows them how important this piece of communication is. It can also help you to assess how much of the information they are taking in.

Follow up

If a child is unwell it can be stressful and worrying for both them and their parents. It’s therefore important to offer a clear follow-up plan so everyone understands what to do if your recommendations or advice don’t work. Make it clear that they can always come back to see you if they have any further questions or concerns.