Sections
Role of Parent and Child as Informants | Framing the Evaluation: Importance of Multiple Social
Contexts
Excerpt
In middle childhood, the specific roles of the parent and
child in the process may vary with different clinical situations.
It is therefore helpful to discuss the clinician's interview
plan with the presenting family members and to ask for input from
the parents. It is appropriate to ask them whether they would prefer
to begin the substantive discussions in the presence of their child
or separately. It is also helpful to ask the parents for input about
what will make their child feel more comfortable: sitting in the
room; remaining in the waiting room; or sitting nearby, outside
of the office.