The findings indicate that nurses use different types of conversation in their attempt to be supportive when talking to children and their parents. Metaphors can be used to facilitate an understanding between the child and the nurses, helping the child to become involved in the procedures. Most importantly, the nurses are able to talk in a language that the child understands. This finding is consistent with previous research from Kortesluoma and Nikkonen (2006) who maintain that children from the age of five are able to construct metaphorical expressions. Fleitas (2003) also discusses the benefits of using metaphors when talking with children in pediatric settings. We believe that nurses can be supportive by using metaphors although nurses have to be vigilant as there is a risk that children do not always understand, especially the younger children.