Preparing your child
We recommend that all children having surgery and staying overnight in the hospital be prepared. How and when you prepare your child for surgery and a hospital stay depends on their age and how you think your child will cope with coming to the hospital for surgery.
It is important to tell your child that they:
- are going to the hospital
- will be having surgery
- will be given some basic information about what will happen when they are in the hospital
Prepare for discussions with your child's health-care team
As a parent/caregiver, you know best how much information about the surgery your child can handle and how your child usually copes with situations that are new or stressful. Let your child's health-care providers know how you think your child will act before and after the surgery. Once at the hospital, tell them about how you prepared your child and how you answered their questions.
It is helpful for the health-care team to know what is important to your child and your family.
How much are you/your child involved in discussions?
- My child/I do not want to be part of medical discussions.
- My child/I want to know only the ‘need-to-know’ information.
- My child/I want to know as much as possible about their medical care.
What helps your child while preparing for/during surgery?
For example:
- numbing cream or spray
- distractions like watching TV or tablet
- listening to music with headphones
- specific comfort items
Questions I/we have for the surgery:
It is helpful to keep track of questions that you want to learn more about.
How can you help your child understand why they are coming to the hospital?
Tell your child what to expect when they come to the hospital and why they need to be there. Be honest and use simple, easy to understand words. Do your best to answer any questions your child has. If you do not know the answer, say so. Reassure your child that they are in good hands and that they can trust the health-care providers looking after them. Reassure your child that you will be there with them as much as possible. Please see the article How to talk to your child about surgery for additional strategies.
Bring items to the hospital that sooth your child, such as favourite toys, books or games, along with items from their bedroom, like a favourite pillow, blanket or slippers. These can also be used to distract your child during difficult surgeries. Support your child in getting acquainted with the health-care team, so that your child feels comfortable and safe around them.
How can you help your teen understand why they are coming to the hospital?
Younger children are more easily entertained when they need to be in the hospital for treatment. Older children are more easily bored and frustrated by being stuck in one place, often waiting for things to happen.
Here are some tips for teens:
- Come up with a daily schedule. Write down when the health-care providers are on the rounds, when meals are served and when the health-care team will need to see them. Once your teen knows when they are needed, they are more freed up to make the best use of their time.
- Check out the lounge, if there is one. This is a good place to meet other teens or play video games. If there is not one, encourage your teen to seek out other patients their own age.
- Your teen could take a book to the cafeteria or patient lounge or go outside (with permission or accompaniment as needed) for some air.
- Before being in hospital, arrange for a knapsack full of items that can be used when there is free time. This may include a phone and charger, crossword puzzles, sewing, knitting, a sketch pad and some coloured pencils.
- Encourage visitors, if your teen is interested. Space visits out so your teen has as much company as possible during the day.
- Encourage your teen to bring comforting personal items with them to the hospital, like their own pillow, a good luck charm, special blanket, stuffed animals and photos.