ask me 3

How to Play an Important Role in Your Child’s Care

It’s important for you to be involved in your child’s healthcare by understanding his or her condition and treatment. But don’t worry—learning more about your child’s care doesn’t mean you have to become a medical expert. In fact, you can become more informed just by asking your child’s doctor three simple questions:
  1. What is my child’s main problem? Asking this question can help you better understand your child’s condition and why it’s important to treat it. 
  2. What do I need to do to help my child? Making sure your child follows his or her treatment plan is a key part of managing his or her condition. 
  3. Why is it important to do this? The details of your child’s treatment may seem small, but they can have a big impact on his or her health. For instance, your doctor may have your child start a special diet or take medicines at certain times of the day or night. Make sure you understand all of the benefits and risks involved with any request.
No one is more invested in your child’s health than you are, so don’t be afraid to ask the doctor for more information. After all, the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about your child’s treatment and recovery. 

Source: Ask Me 3, an education program seeking to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, is a registered trademark of the National Patient Safety Foundation.
Tips to Take Charge of Communication
  • Ask About Jargon: If you hear a medical term you don’t understand, ask what it means.
  • Teach Back: After you get instructions or an explanation about your child’s care, repeat back what you think you heard, so you can double-check that you understand.
  • Take Notes: Write down any key facts your child’s doctor tells you so you won’t forget.