I think from experience, that there is a greater emphasis on family centred care with younger children, and it is difficult to get a message of health promotion across to parents without them taking it a little personally. In these cases it is often a balance between ensuring the information gets across and the parental confidence is built up.

In teenagers it is more difficult. You are "the old fart" they are rebelling against. I often have discussions with "children" about smoking and safe sex, and just get the feeling I am banging my head against a brick wall. I do my best to inform, and as much as I don't like doing it, feel scare tactic are the best tool. This doesn't meant telling teenager about lung cancer from smoking, but about how cigarette are bad for your skin....Vanity, sweet vanity!!