Level 2 or above paediatric care may need to be instigated in an adult, critical care environment prior to retrieval to a specialist centre. To facilitate safe, effective and appropriate care of the child, it is essential that staff are aware of the precise needs of paediatric patients and the importance of parental involvement. The importance of parental support for the critically ill child is examined. Staff perceptions of parental need in comparison to actual need are explored to facilitate support for parents that will then aid paediatric recovery. Recommendations on how such information can be disseminated to staff are discussed.