1.
Protest Stage
This is the first and most obvious reaction when separation happens.
Typical behaviours:
Screaming
Crying
Clinging to the parent
Resisting anyone's attempts to comfort them
→ The child is actively fighting the separation and showing distress.
2. Despair Stage
This happens if the separation continues for a while.
Typical behaviours:
Sadness
Withdrawal from activities or people
Quiet and less active
Cries again when parents return (not out of joy, but because the sadness has built up)
→ At this stage, the child starts losing hope but is still emotionally affected.
3. Denial (Detachment) Stage
This happens if the separation continues for a long time without reunion or reassurance.
Typical behaviours:
Stops protesting
Appears calm, interested in the new environment
May look happy and content
→ Important Note:
This does not always mean the child has fully adjusted emotionally — sometimes it's a
protective mechanism. They appear to have moved on, but may avoid attachment out of fear
of being hurt again.
Summary:
Stage Behaviour Meaning
Protest Crying, Clinging Trying to reunite
Despair Withdrawn, Sad Losing hope
Denial Calm, Detached Protective coping
This slide explains the Principles of Caring for Children. It highlights the key areas that
healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers should focus on when taking care of children.
1. Growth & Development
→ Monitoring and supporting the child’s physical, mental, emotional, and social growth
according to their age.
Examples:
Regular check-ups
Growth charts (height & weight monitoring)
Developmental milestones (walking, talking, social skills)
2. Health Promotion
→ Encouraging healthy lifestyles and preventing illness.
Examples:
Immunizations/vaccinations
Nutrition advice
Hygiene practices
Safety education (car seats, helmets, etc.)
3. Focus on the Family
→ Involving and supporting the whole family in the care of the child.
Why important?
Family is a child's main support system.
Family influences the child’s health, habits, and emotions.
4. Child Advocacy
→ Protecting the rights and welfare of children.
This includes:
Protecting children from abuse & neglect
Ensuring access to healthcare & education
Speaking up for children’s needs in healthcare settings
5. Communication
→ Clear and effective communication between healthcare providers, parents, and children.
Important points:
Use age-appropriate language for the child
Encourage questions
Listen actively
Build trust between child, family, and caregivers
Summary Table:
Principle Focus Area
Growth & Development Monitor milestones, ensure proper growth
Health Promotion Prevent illness, promote healthy habits
Focus on the Family Family-centered care & involvement
Child Advocacy Protect rights, safety, and welfare of the child
Communication Effective interaction with child & family
Factors that affect coping:
Factors Explanation
Different ages → different reactions. Example: Babies cry
Child age
more, older kids might ask questions or feel scared.
Depends on child’s understanding level. Younger children
Level of cognitive development may not understand what's happening. Older children may
fear pain or death.
What the child thinks about the illness or hospital. Some
Perception of the event might think it's punishment, others might feel curious or
scared.
Previous hospitalization / If the child had a bad hospital experience before → might
encounter with healthcare feel more scared now. If past experience was good → may
professional feel calmer.
Factors Explanation
Parent response to illness / Children learn from parents. If parents stay calm → child
hospitalization feels safe. If parents panic → child becomes more anxious.
Some children naturally cope better (e.g., talk about
Coping skills
feelings, play, laugh). Others need more support.