Preparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery

If your school-aged child is facing surgery, it can be helpful to plan ahead if possible. Explain what your child can expect. It's most helpful to do this about a week or two before the surgery. Preparing too far in advance can cause more anxiety. Recognizing what is stressful to your school-aged child while in the hospital can guide you in getting them ready for the surgical experience. Common stressors and fears in the hospital may include:

• Being away from family, familiar surroundings, pets, school, and friends

• Thinking they are in the hospital because they are bad or are being punished

• Having a part of the body destroyed or injured

• Loss of control

• Pain (or the possibility of pain)

• Needles and shots

• Dying during surgery

• Tour the facility with your child before surgery. This lets your child see the sights, sounds, and events they will experience the day of surgery. It can help your child learn about the hospital and gives them time to talk about concerns and questions. Ask a child life specialist to explain what will happen, and why, in terms your child can understand.

• Check that your child knows why they are having surgery in words they can understand. School-aged children may not ask questions about something they think they are supposed to know about. This can lead a parent to think the child understands what surgery and a hospital stay involve.

• Have your child explain back to you what is going to happen in the hospital. School-aged children sometimes will listen carefully, but not understand all that was said. This can help you to learn if your child understands what lies ahead.

• Read books about the hospital or surgery with your whole family.

• Give as many choices as possible to increase your child's sense of control. For example, let your child choose what clothes, music, or movies to bring to the hospital.

• Emphasize that your child has not done anything wrong, and that surgery is not a punishment.

• Don't use doctors, nurses, needles, and procedures as sources of punishment. For example, "If you don't do as the doctor says, they will give you a shot." Portray the healthcare providers as caring, helpful people.

• Explain the benefits of the surgery in terms your child can understand. For example, "After your knee has healed, you will be able to play soccer again."

• Encourage your child's friends to visit the hospital, or to keep in touch with your child by telephone, email, texts, or with letters and cards.

• Young children can practice with a doctor's kit on a stuffed animal, such as listening to their heart. This can make them more comfortable with medical care.

• Learn as much as you can about your child's surgery. Children can tell when their parents are worried. The more you know, the better you will be able to help explain things to your child.

• A family member should stay with your child as much as possible. Always tell your child when you are leaving, why, and when you will be back. If your child will stay in the hospital for several days, ask family and friends to call and visit often, depending on your child's condition.

• Let your child know that it's OK to be afraid and to cry. Encourage them to ask questions of the healthcare providers.

• When your child is stressed, they may regress or display new fears, such as being afraid of the dark. Give many compliments and hugs. Parents should always hold their child's hand (not restrain them—let healthcare professionals do that if it's needed) during tests or procedures.

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