For most parents, family members, friends, and physicians, sharing concerns about a child’s development can be a challenging and daunting task. Here, we hope to provide the words and encouragement to help get the conversation started. With caring support, and open communication, parents can begin to take action.

When a developmental problem with a child is suspected, you may ask, “What should I say?” Parents may try to describe their observations and concerns to their child's physician. A physician may have the unenviable task of sharing difficult news with a family. Others who know the child and family, whether they are childcare professionals, concerned relatives, or friends, may become tongue tied.

As hard as sharing concerns may be, they may make all the difference in the world to a child. The hardest part is getting started.

Here, we provide tips about the best ways to share concerns about a child:

Sharing Concerns: Parent to Physician
Sharing Concerns: Physician to Parent
Sharing Concerns: Parent to Parent

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