At the Nurture Programme Trauma Conference, October 2025, I shared a talk called Hidden Health: How Unrecognised Needs Add to Trauma. One of the themes we explored was how easily children and young people’s health needs can be overlooked. Families often bring their worries to a healthcare provider, only to hear the phrase: “Let’s wait and see.”
While sometimes waiting makes sense, it can also feel like a dismissal. For a parent or carer who sees the daily impact on their young person, “wait and see” can increase stress and uncertainty. In that moment, it can be hard to know what to say next. This is especially true if you’re worried, overwhelmed, or not sure how much to push.
This is when scripts can help. Having a few ready-made phrases in your back pocket makes it easier to keep the conversation going and make sure concerns are taken seriously, without feeling confrontational.
Image from Canva, by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels
I’ve also created a handy two-page PDF of these scripts you can download below and take with you to appointments.
You may also be interested in my other blogs “What is Diagnostic Overshadowing and Why Does it Matter”, “Received a New Medical Diagnosis? A Beginning List of Questions to Ask Your Care Provider” and “Is Your Young Person Starting a New Medication? A List of Question to Ask Your Care Provider”
Scripts to Keep the Conversation Going
Acknowledge and Reframe for Urgency
- “I understand you want to wait, but from what I see every day, this is already affecting their [sleep / school / social life / comfort]. Can we explore what support we can start now, even while we monitor?”
Share Your Evidence
- “I’ve been keeping notes on when this happens. Would you like me to share the patterns I’m seeing? I’m worried that waiting may let things get worse.”
Clarify Timeline & Next Steps
- “When you say wait, what timeframe do you mean? Could we agree on a review date now, so I know when to come back?”
Ask for Alternatives
- “While we’re waiting, are there tests, referrals, or strategies we can use in the meantime to help?”
Bring It Back to Impact
- “This might look mild in clinic, but at home/school it’s having a big impact. How can we address that impact now, not just the medical side?”
Request Collaboration
- “I really value your expertise. What would help you feel confident that this is something needing action? I can gather observations or reports if that would support us moving forward.”
Extra Phrases to Keep Handy
To keep them supporting
- “What would be the harm in checking this now?”
- “What signs should I watch for that mean we shouldn’t wait?”
- “Is there another professional we can loop in while we wait?”
Thank you for being here,
Laura Hellfeld
RN, MSN, PHN, CNL
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalised support and care tailored to your specific needs.
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Last modified: 3 October 2025