The hospital doesn’t have to be a scary place for your school-age child, even if they must undergo surgery.
Children from age six to 12 might be worried about many things ahead of their procedure, including having others see them cry or being scared, saying or doing something embarrassing, the surgery hurting or changing the way they look, or waking up during the surgery.
Parents and caregivers can take steps in preparing children and alleviating their worry and anxiety.
- Give them at least one to two weeks to prepare for the surgery. Tell them what will happen before, during, and after the surgery.
- Tell them they’ll get medicine from a doctor called an anesthesiologist to make sure they don’t feel anything or wake up during the surgery. If your child is worried about waking up during the surgery, read “Anesthesia – frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Children” at https://myhealth.alberta.ca/HealthTopics/your-childs-surgery/Pages/anesthesia-faqs-for-children.aspx to help you answer their questions.
- Be supportive and honest but treat your child as normally as possible. Being honest about the surgery can lessen your child’s fears and help them better understand what is going to happen.
- Explain things clearly and use words your child will understand. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, tell your child that you will find out the answer for them.
- It’s normal for school-age children to be angry or quiet before the surgery. Let them know that it’s okay they feel this way and encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling.
- Check for understanding. School-age children will listen carefully but may not understand what they hear. Have your child explain back to you what’s going to happen in the hospital. Talk about why they need to have surgery and what will happen.
- Ask your child’s friends to visit them in the hospital or to keep in touch with your child by phone, text, email, or cards.
- Make sure you or someone your child knows is with them at the hospital as much as possible.
- Give your child as many choices as possible as you get ready to go to the hospital. Help your child pack a few items from home such as a favourite stuffed animal, blanket, pillow, book, or toy.
It’s important to talk to your child about their surgery. It will help them feel less anxious if they know what to expect. It’s normal for your child to cry or to feel angry and frustrated but preparing them – and yourself – can help.
