You may never need to face the thought of your young child having surgery; many parents aren’t that lucky. As afraid as you are, your child will be just as worried! Is there a right thing to say? Can you ease your child’s fears? These tips can help.
- Be honest with your child. Doesn’t your child deserve to know what’s going to happen? Answer questions honestly, and explain things simply.
- Make your explanations appropriate for your child’s age and personality. Encourage your child to ask questions; no question is silly, stupid, or pointless. There is a fine line between honest explanations and too much information; you know best what your child will be able to handle. Use your child’s questions as a guide for what to say or not say.
- Talk to your doctor. Ask for a private meeting so you can ask your questions and your child’s questions. Make sure you know all the risks and potential complications. You don’t have to tell your child all the potential dangers, but you should know them for yourself.
- Explain the procedure. Tell your child that she will be sleeping through the whole thing. Tell her who will be in the operating room, and what they will do. Make sure your child understands why the surgery is needed and how it will improve her life.
- Explain the recovery. Make sure your child expects some discomfort, disorientation, and even pain when she wakes up.
- Talk about medicines. Reassure your child that she will have medicine afterwards to help ease the pain and prevent infection. Help her understand that she may not be feeling perfect when she wakes up; recovery will take time.
- Make sure your child knows that you will be outside the operating room during the surgery and that you will be in the room when she wakes.
- If permitted, it may help your young child to have some sort of security item like a special toy or blanket.
- Above all, stay calm and relaxed! If you are upset or panicked, your child will know it. Worse, your child will react to your mood, possibly becoming upset herself.