A slightly overweight mother of a morbidly obese 11-year-old; which nurse statement would be therapeutic in easing self-blame?

• A. Your daughter has a serious problem, but there are many resources you can explore on your own.
• B. Your daughter has a serious problem, and you should blame yourself for her weight.
• C. There are no effective programs to help weight loss.
• D. Your daughter has a serious problem, but there are many successful programs that you can join with her to lose weight and improve your overall lifestyle.

Answer: (D)

In therapeutic communication, reducing caregiver self-blame comes from offering hope and a collaborative, practical plan rather than assigning fault. The best statement does exactly that: it acknowledges that the situation is serious but also emphasizes that there are many successful programs you can join with your daughter to lose weight and improve your overall lifestyle. This framing promotes empowerment, shared responsibility, and actionable steps, which can lessen guilt and encourage the family to engage with treatment.

Statements that assign blame, deny available help, or suggest acting in isolation undermine hope and may increase shame. For example, blaming the mother, insisting there are no effective programs, or implying she must explore solutions on her own does not support constructive coping or motivate treatment adherence. By focusing on joint participation and concrete resources, the chosen approach supports the family’s ability to work together toward healthier outcomes.