Aim To explore and compare differences between parents’ and nurses’ perceptions of family-centred care (FCC) for children’s acute short-stay admissions.

Methods Mixed-method questionnaires were designed to compare care task delegation between nurse and parent participants in the study.

Findings Parents and nurses had similar perceptions of task allocation in FCC. Parents generally were prepared to undertake basic care tasks only, rather than help with nursing interventions. Nurses had a comprehensive understanding of FCC. Most parents were not able to define FCC but carried it out naturally.

Conclusion In the UK, nurses and parents have similar expectations of FCC. It is unusual for parents to be given information or opportunities to engage in the care of the child beyond everyday tasks. The investigation highlighted the importance of negotiating with family members on each separate admission because, although most parents would be comfortable undertaking care tasks, each family and each situation is different.