As parents it is our job to protect our children. This includes making difficult decisions; for example pursuing surgery for our child to provide a healthier future for him or her. Whether it's having tubes placed in their ears or tonsils and adenoids removed; it is important to help prepare them for what to expect when they are about to have surgery. This preparation will help your son or daughter understand what surgery is, what to expect, and therefore, calm any fears that they may have. It is also important to answer any questions that your son or daughter may have prior to having the surgery done. Believe me, they will have many questions (especially those that are preschool age or older).
Helpful Tips
Listed below are some tips that can be used in order to prepare your son or daughter prior to having surgery. They are listed according to age:
Infants (Birth to 12 Months Old)
- Take a favorite item(s) to the hospital (i.e. favorite blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier, etc.).
- Take a favorite bottle or cup (could be a sippy cup) for after the surgery.
Toddlers (Ages 1 to 3 Years Old)
- Have your toddler choose which stuffed animal or toy that they would like to take to the hospital.
- Have your toddler choose which outfit they would like to wear to the hospital.
- Talk about what the doctors and nurses will do before, during, and after the surgery in words that they will understand.
Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5 Years Old)
- Describe what a hospital is (i.e. reassure them that it is a safe place).
- Answer any questions that your son or daughter may have honestly.
- Describe the following items in terms that they can understand: (stretcher, anesthesia, recovery room, etc.).
- Encourage you child to pretend that they are in the hospital or what a doctor or nurse may do.
Elementary School-Age Children (Ages 5 to 12 Years Old)
- Answer any questions that your son or daughter may have honestly.
- Discuss what is going to happen before, during, and after the surgery in words that they can understand.
- Use open-ended questions to ask them what they are wondering regarding having the surgery.
- If your son or daughter will have stitches due to the surgery, let them know about it and how the affected body part may look (if you're not sure, ask your doctor during your son or daughter's pre-operation physical).
Teenagers (Ages 13 to 18 Years Old)
- Answer any questions that your son or daughter may have honestly.
- Discuss with them what may happen prior, during, and after the surgery.
- Encourage them to assist with decision-making (i.e. what they want to wear during the surgery, who do they want to go with them or visit them at the hospital, etc.)
- Encourage them to ask their doctor questions prior to and after the surgery.
- Respect their privacy.
