ABSTRACT
The importance of professional relationships and maintaining boundaries between PHCPs and parents is discussed in Chapter 8. The three aspects of relationship—establishing, developing, and ending—are described in detail and the significance of each aspect is highlighted. The chapter discusses how both respecting parents and learning about parents’ life circumstances are foundational to developing the trusting relationship that is necessary for optimal provision of care. The intentional nature of building rapport with parents—beginning from the time of preparing for the very first meeting—is emphasized. The chapter underlines that relationships are not the same with every parent because relationships are unique and that, regardless of the closeness of a relationship, professionals must develop therapeutic relationships with parents in which they focus on the parents’ needs, not their own. The importance of maintaining boundaries and challenges to doing so are explored. This chapter clearly describes, including using quotes from the foundational study, how pediatric heath care providers can engage in healthy, therapeutic relationships that do not cross professional boundaries. Questions and suggestions to foster therapeutic relationships are included.
