How to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child?

  • Anjelica

    Member
    November 14, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    A good way to go about this is to be completely prepared in what you are going to say. Write down important talking points and brainstorm answers to any questions you feel they may ask. There may also be come questions that you are not qualified to answer, in this case it would be helpful to provide a resource for them to review, such as a support specialist at the school. However, it is always great to also incorporate the positives so families do not feel bombarded by the conversation.

  • Naomi T

    Member
    November 15, 2023 at 4:45 am

    Always stay positive. don’t go into the conversation with accusations but with questions about the observations you have made. Always be willing to hear the parent’s perspective and use the conversations as a way to brainstorm together on the things you both have noticed about the child.

  • Journey Charvat

    Member
    November 17, 2023 at 2:53 pm

    Have prepared script on my observations and document a plan. When discussing with parents I would first speak about the child’s strengths and then deliver the challenges with an optimistic tone.

  • Mya

    Member
    November 18, 2023 at 3:00 am

    What are some good ways to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child? Always have a notebook to write whatever it is you’re going to say down so it’s easier and that way you won’t forget anything I tend to like to go back and forth between the good things and ways a child has been developing and the difficult challenges but also may explain that we’re helping the child in the ways we know who have the challenges and always let them know we’re open to their ideas and how they may handle it outside of the center.

  • J. Rodolfo

    Member
    November 19, 2023 at 9:10 am

    Examine a dialogue script for discussing matters with a co-worker, highlighting the significance of attentive listening. Acknowledge that some parents may react defensively and sensitively. Come prepared with solid evidence, underscoring that the information shared is grounded in gathered data rather than personal opinions.

  • Sophie Rasler

    Member
    November 20, 2023 at 4:53 pm

    You should approach this by providing evidence such as records when proposing the results and information. You should also prepare for it before hand, and come off in an honest but kind nature.

  • Alison

    Member
    November 21, 2023 at 10:03 pm

    <div>I would make sure the family has a copy of the developmental screening tool, possibly before meeting with them to give them time to look it over. Whenever I have to discuss a sensitive subject with parents, I would always start with something good about their child. Maybe their child is kind to others or remembers to put things away when finished. Then I would tell them about a challenge we are having. Maybe there is a developmental red flag for large motor movement. I would let them know that this is what I’m observing in their child and ask if they have noticed it at home. If they are receptive to the information then we could talk about some options for helping the child. Most of all, I would let the parents know how much I love their child and that I am available if they need to talk.</div>

  • Angel

    Member
    November 22, 2023 at 8:03 am

    A good way to approach this topic, which can be difficult, is to plan it out. Avoid improvising. Gather lots of observational documents to provide the reasoning for the concern. The plan should involve ways to approach the subject and responses to possible parent reactions. Practice using objective language only.

  • rowan ater

    Member
    November 24, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    be non judgmental if the parent start to act uncomfortable or standoffish ensure them that it is perfectly normal for a child to fall behind their peers from time to time an ensure them of the benefits of better knowing what help their child may or may not need.

  • Hannah Swanson

    Member
    November 24, 2023 at 11:37 pm

    you must approach a parent objectively with observations ready to share with the oarent to back up what your saying. You need to have evidence to what you are saying. At the same time you must be sympathetic to the parents possible overwhelming feelings as you may be the firs tto address the atypical development of their child.

  • Cassandra Davidson

    Member
    November 25, 2023 at 11:04 pm

    I always start with the positive growth of a child and then I would bring out the data and concerns that I have. I would also have a list of resources that the family can utilize.

  • Vidhya

    Member
    November 27, 2023 at 12:08 am

    Approaching parents about the developmental screening of their child requires sensitivity, clear communication, and a collaborative attitude. To begin with I would think about an appropriate setting, for example somewhere without the child in the room. Then, I would begin with underscoring the child’s strengths and abilities then I would frame the concern in a positive manner. I would then explain to the care givers that (depending on what the next steps will be) developmental screenings are a standard practice to ensure that children are on track and that early intervention, if needed, can make a significant positive impact. I would make sure to show empathy and offer any additional resources. Finally, I would leave them with all the information where and how they can reach me if they had further thoughts, concerns or questions.

    By working together with parents, one can create a supportive environment that fosters the best outcomes for the child’s development.

  • Nicole

    Member
    November 27, 2023 at 6:30 am

    Make sure they know you are making these suggestions based on knowledge and provide sources so they can see you are not assuming or making it up. Also make sure they know all referrals are confidential and practice your approach with a coworker!

  • Sarah Mansour

    Member
    November 27, 2023 at 8:22 pm

    To approach a parent about the developmental screening of thier child, we must be gentle and kind. I must have good documentation of my observations and knowledge of typical child development. I must also use facts that are objective rather than subjective. By showing the parents the standard development versus thier child’s development they will be able to see the differences and take them into account. It is also a good idea to provide further steps and resources that the parents can use to help their child’s development.

  • Akiyo

    Member
    November 28, 2023 at 4:38 am

    Some good ways are to prepare what to say to the parents beforehand. I could rehearse with a co-worker and ask their opinion, considering suggestions they make to improve the script. I would make sure to acknowledge what the parents may feel and use objective words. I could also have recommendations handy for the parents so that they will know where to go for assistance. I can also remind them that we both want the best for the child so that they can grow in the best way possible.

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