St. John's Children's Hospital Services Pediatric Surgery What To Tell Your Child Before Surgery

What To Tell Your Child Before Surgery

Tips to Make Their Day Go Smoothly

Hospitalization can be a stressful time for everyone. Fears can be eased with honest information and preparation. It is important that you share information about the operation with your child before the actual surgery day, if age appropriate. Deciding when and what information to introduce about the surgery experience should be based on your child’s age and level of maturity.


Infants (0-12 months)

Infants need their caregiver close and involved in their care. Familiar faces and objects are very important. Bring a pacifier and familiar blanket to the hospital for comfort. Children need to have their surroundings remain as close to normal as possible. A bottle or sippy cup of their own may help them to drink more readily after surgery.

Toddlers (1-3 years old)

Prepare your toddler the day before. They are learning to be independent so let them help by giving them choices in what to bring on their day of surgery, such as what toy, favorite animal, and/or blanket to bring. Remind them the hospital is a safe place.

Preschoolers (3-5 years old)

Prepare preschoolers three days in advance. Talk to your child about the hospital and remind them it is a safe place where children just like themselves come to see the doctor. Give simple and honest explanations and answers.

Let them know what the surgery will fix. Let them know that the nurses and doctors wear special clothes because of the "germ thing." Since play is how children learn, play "doctor" at home to allow children to act out their knowledge of what the medical experience means. If your child talks about being scared, help him/her to find ways to cope; hold hands, read a book about the hospital, sing or count.

Remember technical words are hard to grasp. Here are some examples of softer language:

  • Blood pressure cuff: "will give your arm a hug"

  • Stretcher: "bed with wheels"

  • Anesthesia: "sleepy medicine"

School age (5-12 years old)

Prepare your child about a week ahead of the scheduled surgery. Let your child tell you about his/her fears and concerns. Be honest in your explanations. Ask your child what he/she thinks about going to the hospital. "Tell me what you think is going to happen at the hospital?" Fear of body mutilation is common at this age, so let your child know if a body part will look different and if there will be stitches, casting or bandages.

Adolescents/Teens (12-18 years old)

Talk about the surgery day with adolescents and teens and encourage them to be a part of the decision process. Encourage them to ask questions while they are home and at the hospital.

Siblings

 

If there are siblings in the family, encourage them to be a part of the experience by including them in the discussions and letting them ask questions whenever possible.