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Dr_boo · 14-02-2012, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissAnonymous

I depends on age as to if the child will understand your explanation, personally I cover my arms and scars when I see children because I feel its best not to expose them to the concept of self harm. I would do as Jodie said and ask the parents what they would prefer.

Some things I would be prepared to say would be, for example, 'When I have been poorly l I've gotten hurt, but I am better now' and give a bit of reassurance.

It depends on the child's understanding and maturity, some 11-12 year olds would guess it was self inflicted or ask a lot of questions about how it happened and in honesty if they already know, lying wont work, it will make them wonder more and be more interested. Again telling the truth would be up to the parents, but you would possibly say something like 'When I wasn't very well I hurt myself, but I am getting help and support now and I am feeling much better'. With a 2-4 year old however they may only understand 'I had a 'hurtie/ouchie' but its all better now'.

Considering they are 8 and 10 I would discuss it with their parents but be prepared that a watered down version of the truth might be decided on the best course of action. Kids are not stupid and understand a lot more than you think at 10, but it depends on how emotionally mature they are as to what you'd actually say. The parents will have a better idea of what the children will understand and cope with.

Hope you have an awesome holiday!

I work as a healthcare assistant once a week in a hospital and in 2 weeks time I have a shift in a children's ward. For health and safety reasons I have to have short sleaves, so my scars will be showing.

I will be looking after children of all ages (0-16 years). Parents are not always there for me to ask consent on what to tell the child also if a child says to me "what are those scars from" I feel it would be odd for me to say "hold on I need to ask your mum", or turn round to the mother and say "what would you like me to tell you child?". Baring in mind that the mother may not have even noticed the scars.

Last time a 3year old asked me about the scars and told her it was cat scratchs. She accepted the answer which was fine, I'm more worried about a 5-10 year old asking?!?

What would you suggest in my situation?

14-02-2012, 02:03 AM	#9
Dr_boo Join Date: Jul 2011 I am currently:	Quote: Originally Posted by MissAnonymous I depends on age as to if the child will understand your explanation, personally I cover my arms and scars when I see children because I feel its best not to expose them to the concept of self harm. I would do as Jodie said and ask the parents what they would prefer. Some things I would be prepared to say would be, for example, 'When I have been poorly l I've gotten hurt, but I am better now' and give a bit of reassurance. It depends on the child's understanding and maturity, some 11-12 year olds would guess it was self inflicted or ask a lot of questions about how it happened and in honesty if they already know, lying wont work, it will make them wonder more and be more interested. Again telling the truth would be up to the parents, but you would possibly say something like 'When I wasn't very well I hurt myself, but I am getting help and support now and I am feeling much better'. With a 2-4 year old however they may only understand 'I had a 'hurtie/ouchie' but its all better now'. Considering they are 8 and 10 I would discuss it with their parents but be prepared that a watered down version of the truth might be decided on the best course of action. Kids are not stupid and understand a lot more than you think at 10, but it depends on how emotionally mature they are as to what you'd actually say. The parents will have a better idea of what the children will understand and cope with. Hope you have an awesome holiday! I work as a healthcare assistant once a week in a hospital and in 2 weeks time I have a shift in a children's ward. For health and safety reasons I have to have short sleaves, so my scars will be showing. I will be looking after children of all ages (0-16 years). Parents are not always there for me to ask consent on what to tell the child also if a child says to me "what are those scars from" I feel it would be odd for me to say "hold on I need to ask your mum", or turn round to the mother and say "what would you like me to tell you child?". Baring in mind that the mother may not have even noticed the scars. Last time a 3year old asked me about the scars and told her it was cat scratchs. She accepted the answer which was fine, I'm more worried about a 5-10 year old asking?!? What would you suggest in my situation?
Dr_boo Join Date: Jul 2011 I am currently: