Communicating with Children

Communicating Across the Gap

• Understanding generational differences in communication is crucial for health professionals.

Children

• Children are defined as under 12 years old.
• School groups are often led by school counselors or mental health center counselors.
• Some groups focus on social skills and are frequently led by occupational therapists (OTs).

Challenges for Children

• Difficulty making friends/social skills issues
• Educational/learning challenges
• Divorce
• Abuse
• Suicidal ideation
• Substance use
• Anger management

Considerations for Children

• Screening for children who might not tolerate group situations.
• Evaluating individual needs for one-on-one support.
• Ensuring that groups are appropriate for the child's needs and interests.

Leadership Demands

• Leaders must be aware of emerging identities among their groups.
• Facilitate communication and expression effectively.
• Address potential attention or focus difficulties.
• Manage behaviors that may not be appropriate in other settings.
• Provide age-appropriate activities.
• Prioritize safety.

Working with Adolescents

• Leaders should like and respect teenagers.
• Establish clear expectations and leadership.
• Structure and plan sessions well.
• Make content interesting and relevant for adolescents.
• Understand the influence of technology and social media.

Adolescent Challenges

• Mood swings
• Increasing independence
• Transitional issues
• Peer influence
• Changes in support systems.
• At-risk youth

Developmental Challenges

• Autism spectrum (verbal/nonverbal)
• Learning challenges
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Emotional/behavioral disorders
• Processing disorders

Impact of Developmental Challenges

• Increased symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Lower self-esteem
• Greater feelings of loneliness
• Increased substance abuse issues
• Legal issues
• Higher risk of bullying/rejection
• Higher high school dropout rates

Working with Older Adults

• A society that values older adults benefits its future.
• Focus on promoting independence and care for older adults.

General Information about Older Adults

• 55.8 million adults over 65 in 2021.
• Projected population of 80.8 million by 2040.
• Large diversity among older adults.
• Assess functional capacity on a case-by-case basis.

Considerations for Older Adults

• Physical wellness
• Mental wellness
• Natural supports
• Mobility
• Cognition
• Developmental disabilities
• Inappropriate behavior

Issues for Older Adults

• Maintaining meaningful occupations.
• Independence/dependence dynamics
• Isolation/decreasing social support.
• Concerns about physical health/dying
• Concerns about cognitive health
• Cultural/environmental change

Groups for Older Adults

• Provide information
• Facilitate change
• Address personal issues
• Help develop social contacts
• Assist in exploring new goals in life.

Communication and Generational Differences

• Illustrates the need for tailoring communication strategies to different generations to ensure effective communication.

Generations

• Timeline of generations (GI, Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, Gen Z, Alpha)
• Percentage of each generation in the workforce (Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z).

The Traditionalist Generation

• Born 1927-1945
• Characteristics include loyalty, respect for authority, discipline, and a preference for formal communication.
• Values include work ethic, consistency, and stability, appreciating formality and detail-oriented processes.
• Communication preference of direct and respectful communication.

Baby Boomer Generation

• Born 1946-1964
• Characterized by workaholism, optimism, strong sense of duty, and a view of work as a measure of self-worth.
• Importance of teamwork and recognition for contributions.
• Communication preferences include building a relationship, allowing time for questions and discussions, and preferring detailed communication.

Generation X

• Born 1965-1980
• Traits include self-reliance, resourcefulness, technological savvy, valuing freedom, flexibility, enjoying challenges, and appreciating feedback.
• Communication preferences of direct, minimal small talk, and utilizing communication channels like email.

Generation Y (Millennials)

• Born 1981-1995
• Highlights of optimism, determination, thriving on change, and open communication.
• Believes in personal and professional development.
• Communication preferences include relying on technology for communication, written communication, listening to ideas, collaboration, provide feedback, and avoid being talked down to.

Generation Z

• Born 1997-2012
• Characteristics include the youngest generation in the workforce, digital natives, and reliance on technology for learning and information.
• Communication preferences based on fast, frequent touch-points.

Generation Alpha

• Born 2010-2025
• Characterized by complete immersion in digital technology, interest in sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.

Providing Intergenerational Intervention

• Understand different individual values, beliefs, interests, and experiences across generations.
• Be aware of communication generational factors and styles.
• Remain flexible in approach and practices.

Activity

• See the Class 8 folder on Blackboard for an activity.

Resources

• Provide links to different resources that help explore the different generational characteristics and communication needs.