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Family Dynamics and Communicating With Children and Families
Kathryn Rudd, DNP, RN, c-NIC, c-NPT Diane M. Kocisko, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CPN
LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of this chapter, the student will be able to: 1. Describe the process of healthy communication vs. unhealthy communication. 2. Describe the patterns of family communication.
CONCEPTS Behavior Caring Communication Evidence-Based Practice Family Health-care Technology Population Health Professionalism Teaching and Learning
3. Describe family dynamics. 4. Describe family theories. 5. Identify family function roles.
6. Describe family structures and the approaches to communication within each structure. 7. Identify age-specific approaches for communicating with parents, families, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. 8. Explain influences on communication, such as body language, tone, pitch, and environment. 9. Describe strategies for incorporating communication into assessment. 10. Describe communication with families during periods of emergency care. 11. Identify the role of family-centered care in caring for the hospitalized child.
Communication is influenced by culture, so the nurse must have cultural awareness to facilitate effective communication with clients (see Chapter 4). If the nurse does not have cultural awareness, this in itself demonstrates bias. In addition, it is im- portant to note that ill and hospitalized children may regress to a lower level of communication than their typical communication pattern. Process of Communication in Families The communication process in families possesses these characteristics: ● Bidirectional process: needs both sender and receiver ● Constantly in motion ● Transactional
COMMUNICATION AND FAMILIES
Communication is a two-way process by which information is exchanged between individuals with a common use of language, mannerisms, behaviors, or symbols.
Principles of Communication in Families
The manner of communication used by families provides infor- mation about the family style and the structure and function of family relationships. Functional communication influences the decision-making process and is based on mutual trust; dysfunc- tional communication inhibits nurturing and results in a de- crease in self-esteem and self-worth in communication partners.
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