Sometimes a child’s reliance on medical technology can have a negative effect on families, and children's nurses' communication, support and care is crucial. It is not news that some babies, children and young people rely on technologies to sustain or enhance their lives. Sometimes, though, technology dependence comes at a cost and can have a negative effect on family experience, as our article Checking nasogastric tube safety in children cared for in the community: a re-examination of the evidence base outlines. Understanding the needs of children and families, and the ability to practise family-centred care, is what drew me into a career in children’s nursing. Working as a community children’s nurse (CCN) opened my eyes to the challenges faced daily by families of children with technology dependence.