Strategies to improve therapeutic communication between health professionals and children. Clear and appropriate communication with children is important for both the healthcare professional and the patient. These communication skills help build relationships, relieve a child's anxiety, and calm their fear. Mansson and Dykes (2004) stated that fear makes a child's life difficult. In a clinical setting, the healthcare professional can be the one to eliminate this fear through the use of effective therapeutic communication. How can healthcare professionals improve communication with a child? There are several strategies that can be used to establish and communicate effectively with children. The approaches discussed are aimed at patients in developmental stages ranging from toddlers (2-3 years), preschool-aged children (4-5 years), and school-aged children (6-12 years). Some strategies to improve communication include the use of non-threatening language, non-verbal communication, participation i.e. play and visual aids, and a patient-centered approach. Each of these tactics will be explored and combined to overall improve therapeutic communication with a child patient. Language is an important factor to consider when communicating with a child. The way in which information is transmitted must ensure the child's understanding and remove any uncertainty. The use of non-threatening, age-appropriate language is explored in Stock, Hill, and Babl's (2012) article describing effective language techniques for communicating medical equipment and procedures to children. Using relevant explanations about medical equipment and procedures can help a child understand something that is foreign and may seem threatening at first glance. Communicati... middle of paper ...... frightened patient. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 17(7), 20-22. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA266344844&v=2.1&u=monash&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=4f4e1fd514b5462da18183d3f93a8475Nilsson, S., Enskär, K., Hallqvist, C. and Kokinsky, E. (2013). Active and passive distraction in children undergoing dressings. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28(2), 158-166. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/10.1016/j.pedn.2012.06.003 Chambers, S. (2003). Using nonverbal communication skills to improve nursing care. British Journal of Nursing, 12(14), 874-878. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/docview/199491876?accountid=12528Récoché, K. and Abu-Arab, A. (eds.). (2014). NUR1001 Professional and scientific communication. (2nd ed.) Sydney: Pearson Australia