Margareth Kristoffersen

The study aimed to describe how public health nurses (PHNs) approach parents in ways that acknowledge them when concerns arise about a child’s upbringing environment. A qualitative design with a strategic sample was used. Eight PHNs participated in individual interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis, resulting in three themes: (1) clarifying their concern about a child’s upbringing environment with parents, (2) downplaying their concern to parents, and (3) expressing their concern to parents. The findings show that PHNs approach parents within a relational context characterized by respect, care and solidarity, which may support parents’ development of self-understanding. At the same time, verbalizing concerns about a child’s upbringing can risk offending parents; nevertheless, PHNs do so when necessary to safeguard the child. Organizational support and leadership can facilitate reflection on how PHNs can acknowledge parents without overlooking the child’s best interests. Further research is needed to explore these relational and ethical dynamics in practice