Sometimes I find the children and young people easy to handle but their parents a bit more tricky. Any tips?

Clinical Nurse Specialist: Remember they are not being awkward or difficult, they are probably frightened so may need help to explore their anxieties. If you are not comfortable with this, call in some help, psychologists are good in these situations.

Head of Hospital Volunteer services: When parents are angry and upset there is often so much more than you can actually see going on. It is important to talk with the parents or carers and find out what is behind their thoughts. Usually, taking time to sit and listen to a parent or carer is enough for them to open up and share with you.

Physiotherapist: If parents aren’t wanting something to happen, 1) Acknowledge the parents and their thoughts. 2) Make a judgement yourself as to whether the child or young person needs to have something happen at this time and if not arrange it for another time. If it does, then explain to parents the rationale behind why it needs to be done now. 3) Discuss with parents if it is better that they leave for a short time whilst it is done. It could be, due to emotion or stress, they are considering their own interests first rather than their child or young persons.