Introduce
In order to be able to understand how children feel and how best to support them, it is important to listen. This allows practitioners to establish the child’s perspective and understand where they might need support within the context of their families. This can be particularly challenging when babies and young children are not yet verbal. However, if practitioners only listen to views of parents and caregivers, key information might be missed. Creating a bigger picture of the lived experience of a child, gives valuable insight into their wellbeing.
Develop
When working in the early years, children may be considered ‘too young’ to give their views or express their wishes. Parents who are anxious or traumatised may also find it difficult to verbalise their feelings and be unable to express themselves. Therefore, it is important to think about how the voice of child and families is heard, observed and experienced.
In the video below, Dr Madeline Marczak, Principal Clinical Psychologist from Manchester Foundation Trust, discusses infant voice and family observation:
Read: Reflecting on parent-infant relationships: a practitioner’s guide to starting conversations
This guidance helps to explore the role of observation and how a professional might build up a sense of where any difficulties might lie for an infant. The emphasis here is that ‘although we cannot ask babies about their relationship with their parent or carer, by watching them closely we can begin to understand their experience of the relationship.’ Make some notes reflecting on how the role of observation can give babies a voice.
Watch Sara Jackson & Julie Pendrill, team leaders at Start Well in Stockport, explore the role of observation, assessments and listening, to ensure that all children are heard.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Families can sometimes feel that their voices and views are not always heard. Spend some time reflecting on the following questions:
– How might you respond creatively to capturing the voice of the child and family?
– What might you find particularly challenging about capturing the voice of the family and how might you overcome these barriers?
– How might issues of difference, diversity and culture impact you hearing the voices of children and families?
Do you make space to consider what children and their families are not telling you?