paediatrics vs adult

This entry reflects on my previous placement in a paediatrics setting. When I first started this prac, i found it hard to communicate with little kids, especially when at uni, we learn how to communicate professionally with patients. My supervisor told me that in order to get the kids to cooperate we have to get over ourselves and act silly. It took me awhile to get used and i had to brush up on my nursery rhymes. I had to learn new terms for the different types of exercise (i.e. sea saw for active hip flexion, flamingo stand for single limb stance). I tried using normal terms with them (i.e. lift ur bottom up for bridging) but they find it so boring and hardly willing to cooperate. My supervisor then told me to say 'make a bridge for teddy to go under' and it worked. My supervisor keep telling me not to be afraid of using my voice and cheer them up. I do admit that towards the end of my practicals i still haven't mastered the ability to communicate with young children, i guessed it comes with experience and i have learn to let myself all out when working with young children as they will be no one there judging how silly you look.