Parent Child Play

Preparing Your Child For Their Visit to the Playroom

We respect children's right to be active in the decision to consent to participate in this project. It has been our experience that what children are told about what to expect from the experience significantly impacts their comfort and willingness to participate fully in the play activities. Below are just a few suggestions we would like to offer you to consider as you talk with your child about your decision to participate.

• It is important to tell your child about the session at three different times: a few days before the session, the day before the session, and the morning of the session
  • The more familiar your child is with the process and the situation, the less nervous they will be.

• Explain the process:
  •   mom and child will get to play together for 10 minutes 
  •  mom and child will separately talk with one of the ladies in charge of the study

• It is important that the child is prepared to speak with one of the researchers, so, if at any time during the session your child gets worried/nervous, you are allowed to leave the room and comfort them. 
•  When discussing the session with your child, refer to the researchers by name (Tania or Erin). It may reduce your child’s anxiety if we don't remain anonymous.

-           Assure your child that the interviews will take place in the same room

-         Avoid labelling it as an interview, but instead as a play session with the researcher

-         Tell your child that they will be helping us to learn something

o       Kids are the experts at play, so we have a lot to learn from them!

-         Assure them that they are allowed to stop at any time if they feel upset or uncomfortable

• Let your child know that there will be lots of toys to play with and that they may play with whatever they would like

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•   Look at our profiles to familiarize your child with who they will be meeting and playing with