Despite the use of pain medication, relaxation techniques, and imagery; children and adolescents at the Shriners Bums institute in Boston, Massachusetts tell nurses that dressing changes are among the most excruciating aspect of their bum care. A series of three studies done there between 1981 and 1984 have shown that allowing a child to participate in his/her dressing change to whatever degree is safe and practical for that age group has dramatically reduced the psychological problems associated with this treatment. In addition, participation appears to have increased the patient's coping mechanisms during this procedure. This paper discusses this participation method, its background, and nurses' responses to it.