Tips for Parents

We recommend that all children be prepared for a trip to the hospital. How and when you prepare your child for an operation depends on his or her age and level of understanding. As a parent, you know best how much information your child needs and can handle. Generally, every child older than infancy needs to be told:

• that he or she is going to the hospital
• that he or she will be having an operation
• basic information about what will happen during his or her hospital visit

DO…

• Give simple explanations using words and concepts your child understands.
• Answer your child's questions honestly to help correct any incorrect notions they may have.
• Explain that the operation will help your child get better.
  Children relate to reasons like, "it will help you be strong and healthy" or, "it will help your body do its job."
• Explain the time frame of the operation in terms your child understands.
  Tell him or her when the operation is, how long the hospital visit will be and how much time you will be able to spend with him or her.
• Encourage your child to talk about the hospital visit and to ask questions.
  There are many books available at the public library on the subject written at your child's level of comprehension.
• Encourage your child to play with toys related to the hospital (like "doctor's kits").
• Explain that your child will not feel, hear or see anything during the operation.
  Reassure him that he will not wake up during the operation - but will wake up when the operation is completely over when the doctor stops giving him the sleep medicine.
• Explain that the medical problem your child faces is not a punishment for something he or she did wrong. Let them know that many children have the same problem and must get it fixed at the hospital.

DON'T…

• Try to answer questions you don't know the answers to. Do tell your child that you don't know the answer but will find out. Your child's nurses or doctor should be able to answer any questions for you.
• Promise your child that he or she will have no pain. Children do respond to varying levels of pain in different ways and may have some discomfort after the operation. The hospital staff is trained to help your child be as comfortable as possible.
• Promise there will be no needles or make any other promises that you may not be able to keep.

For additional questions or concerns, please call the Child Life office at 254-724-5574

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