What causes someone to feel emotionally unsafe?

Healthcare visits can be stressful for the entire family. The feeling of safety can be affected by:

• a fear of the unknown
• a loss of control
• a loss of privacy
• worry about your or your child’s physical and / or mental well-being

For children, common stressors can include:

• new environments
• unfamiliar people
• fear of pain or discomfort

The emotional safety of children is closely connected to the emotions of their trusted caregivers.

Healthcare visits should also consider those who may have a higher risk of feeling emotionally unsafe, such as:

• those who identify as LGBTQIA+
• families who do not speak English as their first language
• those who have experienced earlier life trauma
• those with mental health considerations

Those with diverse abilities and those from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds might also be at a higher risk for feeling emotionally unsafe.

How do you know if someone is feeling emotionally unsafe?

When we feel unsafe, our emotions and behaviors may change. Children who are experiencing healthcare procedures might show a change in their behavior, try to control the situation, or react with a fear response. This might look like:

• Stalling, such as asking to use the bathroom
• Pulling away or hiding parts, or all, of their bodies
• Asking for their trusted caregiver to be the one to give them “the shot”
• Refusing to talk or acknowledge members of the medical team
• Yelling or crying

Children and / or families who have experienced trauma or instances of being emotionally unsafe may show the following:

• Lack of focus
• Avoidance of conversations or decision-making
• Anger

How do you support emotional safety?

Caregivers can support emotional safety in the following ways:

• Play an active role in your child’s healthcare visit both physically and verbally.
• Talk to staff about options for being involved and comforting your child during procedures.
• Share your thoughts with the care team, as you know your child best. The medical team wants to hear your questions and concerns.
• Let your child know what they are feeling is normal and okay.
• Ask them if they have questions and help them get the answers.
• Know that children often express emotions through play.
• Reflect on the strengths of your family. Talk to staff about how those strengths can help support your child.

Healthcare workers can support emotional safety in the following ways:

• Find moments where the child can have control over their own body.
• Present options for positioning. Allow the child and caregiver to take part in what feels the most supportive to them.
• Find places to offer realistic choices.
• “Would you like to hold Mom or Dad’s hand today?”
• Consider that sometimes children prefer to watch invasive procedures.
• Give simple, honest information. It’s okay to admit you don’t know an answer.
• Resist downplaying the child’s emotions.
• Instead of saying “you’re okay” try using “you are safe” or “thank you for telling me how this feels for you”.
• Give chances for play and / or playful interactions.

What do you do if you feel you need more support related to emotional safety?

If your child has a scheduled healthcare appointment or hospitalization, the services listed below may be available for support*:

• Child Life Support Services
• Integrative Care Support Services
• Creative Arts Therapies
• Adaptive Care Team
• Behavioral Medicine
• Spiritual & Grief Care
• Social Services

*Talk to your healthcare team about what support services might be available for your visit. Not all locations offer these services.

Explore community support groups or resources. Some options to consider are:

• Your child’s pediatrician or your primary care doctor
• Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) at Cincinnati Children’s
• Child Focus Inc.
• Beech Acres Parenting Center
• The 988 Crisis Number or the Emergency Department can be used for someone at immediate risk for suicide or other mental health-related emergencies.