If parents do not accept concerns about their child's development, what is a recommended approach?

Establishing common ground and explaining the consequences is an effective approach when parents are resistant to concerns about their child's development. This technique involves finding a shared understanding between yourself and the parents, which can help to build trust and facilitate open communication.

When discussing developmental concerns, it is important to present the information in a manner that acknowledges the parents' feelings while also articulating the potential impact of ignoring these issues. By explaining the potential consequences in a calm and respectful manner, such as how delays may affect the child’s educational or social development, you create an opportunity for the parents to see the relevance and urgency of the concerns.

This approach is more constructive compared to other methods, which may lead to conflict or further defensiveness from the parents. For instance, arguing rigorously could alienate parents and close off the lines of communication, making it less likely that they will consider the concerns seriously. Silently agreeing to disagree does not address the issue at all, leaving the child’s needs unmet. Reporting parents to authorities should only be considered in very serious situations of neglect or abuse, not as a first response to concerns regarding their child's development. Thus, establishing common ground and explaining the consequences is a compassionate and effective way to engage parents in meaningful discussions about their