The thought of undergoing a surgical procedure can be unnerving, and that anxiety only skyrockets if the person undergoing the operation is your child. You want to do everything in your power to put on a brave face and help calm any fears they may have, but how can you best do that? Today, we share some tips for helping your child prepare for an upcoming surgical operation.
Be Informed
Odds are your child is going to have some questions, so be sure that you ask plenty of questions to the doctor about the procedure, potential pain and your child’s rehab and recovery. Being informed allows you to be a source of information for your child, which can help put their mind at ease.
Be Honest
Don’t lie to your child or set unreasonable expectations. Be direct and honest. It can even be something as short as “You’re going to have a little procedure, and the doctors and nurses are going to help you. I’ll be there with you, and I know you’re going to do great.”
Age-Appropriate Level of Detail
Tailor your explanation of what to expect to your child’s age. Younger kids don’t need as much detail about exactly what’s going on, while older children may actually be reassured with more details and a clear expectation of the surgical process.
Let Them Pack Their Bag
You handle packing all the important things, like your insurance card, your child’s medical history, a change of clothes and other essentials. Let your child pack a bag of things they might want before or after surgery, like a book, their iPad of their favorite stuffed animal.
Reassure Them That The Surgery Is Designed To Help Them
Instead of focusing on what could go wrong with surgery, focus on what will happen if surgery goes as expected, as it often does. Maybe your child will be without stomach pain or migraines, or maybe the operation will allow them to gain more independence or return to sporting activities. Tell them about all potential gains of surgery.
Tell Them About Your Surgeries
Maybe you’ve had an operation or two in the past, and you can help ease their worries by letting them know that you’ve gone through something similar, and that everything will work out.
Let Them Know Where You’ll Be
Finally, let them know where you’ll be at all times before and after the surgery. Ask the medical staff where you’re allowed to be and when you can expect to see your child after the operation. Let your child know where you’ll be and that you’ll never be far away during and after the operation.
