The BRAIN Tool: 5 Questions Every Parent Should Ask

📥 Download the BRAIN Tool (Free PDF)

Save this one-page cheat sheet to your phone or print it for your next appointment.

🧠 Using the BRAIN Acronym to Make Confident & Informed Decisions for Your Child.

Do you have an upcoming medical appointment with your child? Or have you ever been in a routine check-up when suddenly you're thrown a curveball? Sometimes appointments turn into information overload, and you're expected to make a big decision on the spot. If you're anything like me, the questions I should have asked only come to me hours later. Here’s how to handle those trickier moments in real time. You just need... BRAIN.

❓ What Does BRAIN Stand For?

• B – Benefits: What are the benefits of this treatment, test, or procedure?

• R – Risks: What are the potential risks or side effects?

• A – Alternatives: Are there any alternative options to consider?

• I – Intuition: What is your gut feeling about this choice?

• N – Nothing: What happens if you choose to do nothing for now?

👩‍⚕️ Using BRAIN in Medical Appointments

Medical appointments often move quickly, and it’s easy to feel flustered.
The BRAIN tool helps you stay focused and ask meaningful questions so you can walk away feeling informed, not confused.

✅ 1. Benefits

Ask: "What are the benefits of this test, treatment, or procedure?"
This helps you understand how it might help your child — whether it’s relieving symptoms, speeding up recovery, or giving more clarity.

⚠️ 2. Risks

Ask: "What are the possible risks or side effects?"
Understanding both minor and serious risks can help you weigh up your options. Ask whether they’re common, rare, or short-term.

🔄 3. Alternatives

Ask: "Are there any alternatives to this approach?"
Sometimes there are less invasive or more tailored options. You can also ask: "What’s the evidence behind this recommendation versus the alternatives?"

💛 4. Intuition

Check in: "What is my gut telling me?"
Parental instincts matter. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to pause, ask more questions, or get a second opinion.

⏳ 5. Nothing

Ask: "What happens if we wait or do nothing for now?"
In some cases, monitoring is a valid option. Ask what signs to watch for if you choose to “watch and wait.”

🩹 Example: “Does this cut need stitches?”

 Your child takes a tumble at the playground and ends up with a deep cut.
You stop the bleeding, but it looks more than just a scratch. You head to your GP, who gently asks:

"How would you feel about popping a few stitches in Little Garry?"

You're flustered. Your child is upset. You're thinking about the pain, the scar, and whether stitches are really needed.

Here’s how BRAIN helps:

• B – Benefits: Will stitches help it heal better or reduce scarring?

• R – Risks: Are there risks like infection or pain?

• A – Alternatives: Could medical glue or steri-strips work?

• I – Intuition: Does this feel right for my child?

• N – Nothing: What happens if we don’t do anything now?

If the answer is clear; yes, stitches are needed, then BRAIN also gives you confidence to ask for aftercare guidance:

"Are there any things I should watch for after the stitches go in?"

 

🗣 Advocating Without Feeling Confrontational

Using BRAIN isn’t about challenging medical advice. It’s about making sure you understand the recommendation and feel confident moving forward.

You might say:

• "Can I ask what the benefits and risks are?"

• "Are there any other options we should consider?"

• "Would it be OK if I took a moment to think this over?"

Most healthcare providers appreciate thoughtful, engaged parents. You are working together to do what’s best for your child.

📝 Tips for Using BRAIN Effectively

✅ Keep it handy: Write BRAIN in your phone or on a sticky note. Or [download our 1-page cheat sheet] to save in your phone.

✅ Take your time: Unless it’s a true emergency, it’s OK to pause. Take a breath, speak to your partner, or come back with questions.

✅ Use it beyond emergencies: BRAIN works for everyday choices too... from choosing baby products to navigating childcare decisions to considering car loans!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a health or medical degree to make good decisions for your child.
You just need the right tools and a calm head.

The BRAIN acronym helps you slow things down, ask the right questions, and feel more confident in whatever choice you make.

Want a copy to keep on hand? This tool help you feel calm, clear and confident when things feel overwhelming.

🧡 Grab Your Free BRAIN Cheat Sheet