Sick children should always be allowed to speak for themselves, regardless of their age. The older they are, of course, the more important it is to listen to what the young patients have to say and take it into account. This is especially true for older children and young people.

Around the crossover between pediatrics and adult medicine – the so-called “transition phase” – it is especially important to include the experience and knowledge of the young patients and to give them a feeling that they are in control so that subsequent treatment can be planned successfully.