Talking to Your Kids About Your Job in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Law Enforcement

As a parent, you may find yourself wondering how to discuss your job in emergency medical services (EMS) or law enforcement with your children. While it's understandable to want to share your experiences, there are some guidelines and considerations to keep in mind to ensure the conversation is both safe and beneficial for your family.

Guidelines for Discussing Your Job

When it comes to discussing your job with children, there are certain restrictions to follow. Here are some important stipulations to keep in mind:

Avoid Active Investigations: You cannot discuss active investigations on major cases. For example, if you gave a speeding ticket and describe the incident, you can mention what transpired at the stop but should not describe the crime scene if the case is still under investigation. Protect Patient Information: Do not give identifying information about patients, as this could allow your child to link a medical condition to a specific person's name. If you responded to an emergency call at a neighbor's home, you can describe the condition but leave out the patient's name, address, and other identifying details. Adapt to Your Child's Developmental Level: The level of detail you provide should align with your child's age and maturity. For instance, you can discuss more graphic incidents, like assaults, with older children who are capable of handling such information, but avoid graphic descriptions with younger children.

Adapting the Message to Your Child's Development

By adapting your message to your child's developmental level, you can ensure that the conversation is appropriate and meaningful. Here are some considerations for different age groups:

Avoid Graphic Details with Younger Children

When talking to a 7-year-old, you do not need to discuss all the deaths or assaults you may have experienced on the job. You can use age-appropriate language to explain situations, like describing an accident or a medical emergency, but avoid graphic or disturbing details. These conversations can help build your child's understanding and coping skills in a manageable way.

Discussions with College Students

If you have a child entering college, you may feel comfortable discussing more detailed aspects of your job, like specific cases involving assaults, crashes, or accidents. These discussions can help them contextualize potential risks and prepare for decision-making in their adult lives. However, still be mindful of the specific circumstances and the maturity of your child.

For example, you could explain a violent incident as, 'I responded to a call for a report of a fight at a local park, and we had to intervene to ensure safety.' This way, your child learns about the situation without being overly exposed to graphic details.

High School Students: Balancing Maturity and Safety

With capable high school students, you can share more detailed information about what you do on the job. It's important to gauge their readiness and maturity before sharing sensitive information. For instance, you might say, 'Last year, we responded to a car crash and helped a driver who was injured. We used our skills to treat the injuries and keep the situation under control.' This level of detail can provide valuable insights while maintaining a safe environment.

When to Discuss Your Job

Decide on when to bring up your job based on relevant circumstances. If there is a specific event that your child asks about, it may be a good opportunity to have a conversation. For example, if your child builds a toy ambulance or police car, you could discuss the realities of your job in a light, educational manner.

It's also important to note that you don't need to discuss your job just because you have the opportunity. Use discretion and only share information if you feel it's necessary or if your child shows a genuine interest in your work.

Summary

In conclusion, talking to your children about your job in emergency medical services (EMS) or law enforcement can be a valuable experience for both you and your child. By following the guidelines mentioned above and adapting your message to your child's developmental level, you can ensure that the conversation is meaningful and appropriate for their age and maturity.

Remember to be mindful of patient information, avoid discussing active investigations, and keep the conversation balanced with age-appropriate details. These discussions can foster a better understanding and realistic expectations for your child regarding your line of work.

Additional Resources

For more information on parenting and child development, refer to resources such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Child Mind Institute, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).