What to Tell Your Child About Surgery
The staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center understands that planning for your child's surgery can be a stressful process.
Here are some guidelines to help prepare yourself for your child's surgery:
Infants (0 to 12 months old)
Familiar objects and people are important to infants. Bring a favorite blanket, toy or pacifier to the hospital. After surgery, infants are more likely to drink from a familiar bottle nipple or juice cup, so it can be helpful to bring an empty bottle or cup for use after surgery.
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Toddlers (1 to 3 years old)
Prepare your toddler a day before surgery. Toddlers are learning to be independent and like to make choices. Offer only realistic choices: Which stuffed animal would you like to take with you? Which T-shirt would you like to wear to the hospital?
During exams at the hospital, explain what the doctors or nurses will do, before they touch your child. Toddlers learn by watching, so let the nurse look in your ears first or listen to a stuffed animal's heart first. This helps make the surgery exam as non-threatening as possible.
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Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
Prepare your preschooler about three days in advance. Talk to your child about the hospital. Explain that the hospital is a safe place, where many kids come to see doctors and then go home. Be honest, giving simple explanations and answers to your child's questions. Here are some suggestions for language to use with your child:
- Stretcher: "Bed with wheels"
- Blood pressure cuff: "Arm hug"
- Anesthesia: "Sleepy air"
- Induction room: "Sleepy air room"
- Recovery room: "Wake up room"
Play is how preschoolers learn, so playing hospital or doctor is very beneficial. You can use a toy doctor kit and stuffed animal to play measuring temperature and blood pressure, listening to your body (stethoscope) and drinking medication.
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Elementary School-Age Children (5 to 12 years old)
Prepare your child about a week ahead of the visit. Allow your child the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. Be very honest. The true facts may be less frightening than your child's exaggerated imagination of what might happen. Ask your child open-ended questions such as, "What are you wondering about your operation?" Fear of body mutilation is common at this age, so let your child know if a body part will look different after surgery. Prepare your child for seeing stitches or bandages.
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Teens (12 to 18 years old)
Adolescents are learning independence and decision-making. They are concerned with body image, privacy and relationships with friends. Talk about what is going to happen, and encourage participation in decision-making. Be honest. Encourage your adolescent to ask the doctor or nurse questions. Respect your adolescent's need for privacy. Have your teen read the "Tips for Teens Having Surgery" section.
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What to Tell Siblings
Remember that siblings and other children in the family may have questions, too. Use simple, honest language that they can understand to talk about the coming surgery.
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