Group Meetings Benefit Families of Burned Children

Abstract

Recognition must be given to the continuing burden carried by parents of children who have been discharged from a burns hospital. Weekly parents' meetings under the direction of social workers are offered during clinic hours in an effort to maintain support and offer guidance. Unlike other therapeutic groups, these parents are not screened by interests, background or age. Their only common denominator is that of having a severely burned child. Also, unlike other groups, the participants change each week, depending on the clinic schedule. However, despite the lack of continuity in participaton, the parents have come to know that by returning to the group at any time, they can find help and understanding and often receive renewed strength for coping. It is interesting to note that the same problems recur in the meetings' content: 1) Adjustment of the home schedule immediately following discharge in order to deal with the demands of the children and the time required for skin care, 2) parents' tendency to project their guilt by over-protecting the children, 3) adolescent problems stemming from burn scars affecting body image and self-esteem, 4) changes in marital relationships. Often, parents of children who are still in the acute stage attend these meetings and take their first cautious steps toward facing the future supported by “those who have been there”. All learn that this is an hour when they may freely question, share feelings, and leave knowing they are supported and not alone.