The aim of this observational study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding the exchange of information between minors in nursing care and the health care professionals in paediatric outpatients units. The grounded theory method was used and all data, field notes and excerpts from medical records, were analysed using constant comparative analysis. The three paediatric outpatient units were the day care unit, the neuro–urology and bowel disorders unit and the diabetic clinic. Twenty eight minors, aged 10 – 17 years, were observed during nursing care situations in consulting rooms, corridors and waiting areas and seventy six observations were carried out when information exchange occurred. Health care professionals were paediatric nurses, paediatric enrolled nurses and paediatricians attached to the units. The findings show “balancing the circumstances” as the core category during information exchange, based on six categories, relating to one another: taking part, trust, being in touch, mutuality, getting facts and family influence. “Balancing the circumstances” is how minors maintain stability when exchanging information in nursing care. “Taking part” is to keep pace with the adults and “trust” is a sense of safety in the situation. “Being in touch” is a relationship establishing communication through conversing and “mutuality” is the interchange of pleasant behaviour, a reciprocal interaction and sharing of feelings like togetherness and equality. “Getting the facts” is the transmission of information in an as understandable way as possible and “family influence” is where family has an effect on what is happening during the visit. With this knowledge of information exchange, health care professionals can influence nursing care to enable and support minors in balancing their circumstances and improve information exchanges, and thereby invite the minors to be partners-in-care.