Vol. 29, No. 1
Preparing your child for a hospital visit
Whether coming to the hospital for a procedure or an overnight stay, children will have many questions and experience many emotions. One of the most important things parents can do before their children’s hospital visit is to prepare them. Children who are prepared will be less fearful on the big day.
The most important thing to remember is to always be honest,” says Karen Muller, child life manager at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. “If you aren’t sure how to answer a child’s question, tell the child you’re not sure, but will find out.”
Getting an IV may be scary for some children. Rita Falkenbach (above) helps this young man relax by using a distraction technique. Child life specialists like Rita are available to children of all ages being cared for at Dayton Children’s.
Whether the child is coming to Dayton Children’s for an overnight stay or having day surgery, preparation will be similar.
Children of different ages need different preparation. According to Muller, some of the best ways to get children ready for a trip to the hospital include:
- Infants: Calm parents equal a calm baby. Make sure you understand what is going to happen. Make a list of questions and get answers from your child’s doctor.
- Preschool (2 to 4 years old): Parents should talk to preschool children one day before a hospital visit, and two to four days before an overnight stay. Preschool children like to know why they are going to the hospital. They will also want to know what they will feel, such as stinging or hot feelings, during a procedure. Preschool children may also be comforted by bringing a stuffed animal or a favorite book.
- School-age: Prepare school-age children a week before their hospital stay. Children this age like to ask questions about the procedure and why they are going to the hospital. They also like to know who will be staying with them during their visit.
- Adolescents: Adolescents also like to know why they are going to the hospital, but want to be more involved than younger children. Parents should let them help plan their hospital stay.
For parents and children who want to become better acquainted with Dayton Children’s before a procedure, a presurgical tour is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.
The child life department provides therapeutic play activities to help ease the stress of hospital visits. They also provide services such as support and diversion during hospital procedures. Kids at Dayton Children’s may also benefit from Paw Prints (a pet therapy program), CyberZone (computer access for kids) and Children’s Clown Crew.
For more information about preparing your child, contact Karen Muller at 937-641-3303 or the Family Resource Center at 937-641-3700.
It’s OK to cry Many parents are concerned their child will cry during a procedure. Don’t worry. According to Karen Muller, manager of child life at Dayton Children’s, crying is not only OK – it can be helpful.“For some children, crying is a positive way to cope with what is going on. It helps the children release their stress and anxiety,” she says.If you are with your child during a medical procedure, there are many things you can do to help your child.
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