Children’s need for support is tied to their experiences of fear during times of trauma and uncertainty. Two recent studies gave insight to the experiences of young children (3-7 years of age) undergoing painful medical procedures. Children and parents described trauma related to the suddenly changed caring role parents’ play: from caring parent to health care assistant. Parents helped restrain children and took part in painful and unpleasant procedures and treatments. Nurses described the use of restraint as sometimes necessary due to logistical constraints but also as supportive to the child. Lack of access to parents as protectors was experienced as traumatic by the child. The child felt ashamed, humiliated and powerless, having lost the right to control his/her own body.

The aim of this paper is to review the use of restraint with young children during painful medical procedures

From the young child’s perspective, restraint is never supportive. Children require a sense of security to overcome fear. When the child seeks security in an adult, the adult’s response becomes extremely important. Children need to guide and be guided by adults, until they think: “I can manage this”. Adequate support enables a caring situation characterised by mutual trust. Parents ought to be involved to help alleviate fear, but strategies for collaboration and role definition for parents and health care professionals need to be reassessed.