If parents are reluctant to touch their sick child, what is the social worker's first intervention?

The most appropriate first intervention for a social worker in this situation is to have the parents talk about their reactions to the child's illness. This approach is effective as it allows for exploration of their feelings and concerns regarding their child's condition and can provide insight into their reluctance to engage physically. By facilitating a discussion, the social worker can create a safe space for parents to express emotions such as fear, guilt, or helplessness associated with their child's sickness.

Understanding the emotional context is crucial, as it can lead to identifying deeper issues affecting the parents' ability to connect with their child. This conversation can pave the way for further interventions, such as providing emotional support or discussing therapeutic options, while ensuring that the parents feel heard and understood.

Other options, while valuable, may not be as effective as an initial step. Encouraging parents to spend more time with the child or asking them to hold the child during the meeting risks putting additional pressure on them before addressing the underlying emotional barriers. Suggesting therapy to manage their feelings, while beneficial, assumes a readiness to engage in therapy that may not yet be present at this point in their emotional process. Hence, starting with a conversation about their reactions offers a compassionate and supportive introduction to the situation.