Communication & Counselling Skills – 3. Interacting with a child and adolescent
Read the complete lesson in an organized slide-by-slide format. This topic contains 20 learning sections from the source presentation.
LESSON CONTENTS — 20 SECTIONS
Session 4: Communication skills in interacting with a child and adolescents
December 17, 2023
At the end of this session each student should be able to:-
Identify communication with different age groups
Explain guidelines for communicating with children
Explain guidelines for communicating with adolescents
Learning objectives
December 17, 2023
Introduction
Communicating with children and adolescents is a primary source of data during a well-child/ adolescent visit in any health crisis situation.
Introduction
December 17, 2023
Cont…
Understanding the developmental level of the child and influences on the child’s communication (family, culture, community, age & personality) are critical for communicating effectively.
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Be aware of children’s inability to communicate verbally because of disabilities
Children may change their style of interaction, being passive or active
They may be destructed by outside environment
Observe body language, facial expressions and non verbal gestures
Communicating with a child
December 17, 2023
Adopting the SOLER approach (face people Squarely, Open body shape, Lean forward slightly, Eye contact, Relax)
Be prepared to come down to the child’s level
Use different approach such as play, humour, or drawing to engage with children
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Newborn to 12 months
Body systems are maturing and skill development is taking place
Are unable to verbalize needs and concerns
Communicating with infants
December 17, 2023
Non verbal behaviors such as smiling promote socialization
Infants display crying and cooing
Infants coo when they are content or happy
Are often quiet and respond to non verbal behaviors of adults such as touch, sound and tone of voice
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Younger than 5 years old
This is a time of intense exploration of the child’s environment that can be overwhelming and challenging for parents and caregivers.
Communicating with toddlers and preschoolers
December 17, 2023
Much cognitive, psychology, social and biological development is occurring
They are fearful of unfamiliar objects and environments children of this age are developing a sense of autonomy
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Ages 6 to 12 years
Are very energetic and want answers to the questions they have
They are very curious
Want to know why or how things happen
Communicating with school age children
December 17, 2023
Encourage children of this age to ask questions
Need play time
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Age 13 to 18
This is a time of developing independence and maturity
They focuses more on social networks and friends
Communicating with adolescents
December 17, 2023
They are becoming more independent but still require adult supervision
Cont….
December 17, 2023
Allow children to feel comfortable
Avoid broad smiles and extended eye contact that may be seen as threatening
Talk to the parent if the child is initially shy
Communicate through transition objects such as dolls and puppets before questioning a young child directly
Guidelines for Communicating with children
December 17, 2023
Give older children opportunity to talk without the parents present
Assume a position that is at eye level with the child
Speak in a quiet, unhurried and confident voice
Be honest with children
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Speak clearly, be specific, use simple words and short sentences
State directions and suggestions positively
Offer a choice only when exists
Allow them to express their concerns and fear
Use a variety of communication techniques
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Spend time together
Encourage expression of ideas and feelings
Respect their views
Tolerate differences
Praise good points
Respect their privacy
Set a good example
Guidelines for Communicating with adolescents
December 17, 2023
Give undivided attention
Listen, listen, listen
Be courteous, calm and open minded
Try not to overreact
Avoid judging or criticizing
Cont…
December 17, 2023
Additional Study Notes
This section is separated from the source slides to make the lesson easier to revise.
Supplementary learning: Effective health communication requires attentive listening, clear language, appropriate non-verbal behaviour, empathy, respect, confidentiality and checking that the client has understood. Counselling should support informed decisions rather than forcing a choice.
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