How to prepare your child for surgery
As a caregiver, you play an important role in helping your child or teenager cope with having surgery and hospitalization, but you’re not alone. We hope these guidelines and tips help you and your child best prepare for surgery.
It is important to provide age-appropriate information that includes reasons and explanations for their surgery. Familiarizing children with the process of surgery may help to clarify their misunderstandings and ease their fears. The more information you have about the tests, treatments, or procedures your child may need to have, the better prepared you will be to help support your child during his or her hospital stay. Children respond to new experiences in their own unique way; however, below are some general age-based reactions.