How To Prepare for Hospital Procedures

A hospital visit, planned or unplanned, can be a stressful time for both you and your child.  The best way to reduce this stress is by being prepared. 

 

The first step is for you, the adult, to be prepared.  Children look to their caregivers as a model for how to react in unknown situations. By preparing yourself and reducing your own anxiety, you can help reduce your child’s anxiety as well.  For more information about the hospital visit

 

The second step is to prepare your child.  As parents you are experts on your children, you know them best, so you can be very effective in preparing them for their procedures and hospitalization.  Child Life Specialists are here to help.  We are experts in child development and are specially trained in teaching children about medical procedures and helping them cope.

 

If you are already in the hospital, you can request a consultation with a child life specialist.

 

To prepare your child on your own, click the links below.

Below are some tips to try during procedures. Click the links below to learn more.

Helping Children of Different Ages Cope with Hospitalization

As children grow and learn about the world around them their understandings change based on their developmental level.  Follow the links below to find out how children in each age group typically respond to the stress of being in the hospital and what you can do to help them cope more positively.  You will also find age appropriate ways to talk to your child about a trip to the hospital.