Preparing Your Child for Surgery

A child going in for surgery can be very stressful, not only for the child but also for the parents. Children can get upset and not understand why they are having the surgery, and be afraid of what it is going to feel like. Children can also sometimes feel that they are having the surgery due to something they did wrong. They feel they are being punished. There are many steps you can take when preparing a child for their upcoming surgery, to help relieve some of the fears and stress.

You, as a parent should prepare yourself for your child's surgery before preparing the child. If you do not understand it, than you can not prepare your child. You should read books on the hospitalization and the surgery, to better understand it. Also, meet with the surgeon and ask all the questions you need to better understand it so that you can answer the questions your child may have. Once you understand it then you can prepare your child.

Now that you have a better understanding of the surgery at hand you can sit down with your child and help prepare him/her. Reading books with your child pertaining to the surgery and hospitalization can also help them understand what they are about to go through. You should ask the child if he/she has any questions. Never lie to the child, it can only make things worse. Answer all of their questions truthfully, and honestly. Explain the surgery to the child. Let them know that they have done nothing wrong, and explain why they are having the surgery. Let them know that the surgery is going to make them healthier. Take a tour of the hospital with your child, and let him/her talk to the surgeon and ask any questions he may have for them. Make sure when explaining the surgery that you talk in words and terms that the child can understand. Letting the child explain to you what they think the surgery is going to be like and correcting any misconceptions they may have is another good way to help them better understand it.

Children can sense worry and concern in their parents. Don't let them see that you are upset or scared, it will just make them more nervous. Let them know that you love them and are going to be there with them until the doctor takes them into surgery and that you will see them again as soon as they return from recovery. Comfort them and let them know that you care deeply and that everything is going to be fine.

Using these methods and tips will help to relieve stress and fear from both the child and the parents. It will help to comfort them more and make them less nervous about their upcoming surgery.