• It’s normal for children to have fears about going to the hospital. Try to acknowledge those fears and provide lots of hugs and comfort.
• Be genuine and honest. It isn’t wise to try and cover up painful or unpleasant things with false cheeriness. Your child needs to rely on what you say. Listen to their concerns. Answer questions. If you don’t know the answer, contact the hospital or doctor.
• Reassure your child that an operation is not punishment. Sometimes, kids think they have done something bad or foolish to be in a hospital.
• Read books with your child about operations. The public library and the hospital have a good selection of titles.
• Play hospital with your child. Supply bandages, tongue depressors and surgical masks to act out the operation. This gives a child the chance to express anxieties.
• Help your child choose a special toy or security object, such as a favourite stuffed toy or blanket, to take to the hospital.
• Rehearse distraction or coping strategies, for example, breathing. Let the hospital staff know what’s been planned.
• A video for kids called Get Ready for Surgery is available at the Greater Victoria Public Library. The Vancouver Island Health Authority website also has a video called Preparing Parents for their Child’s Induction. The health authority’s website — viha.ca — has additional information. Click on Surgery and follow the link to Children and Surgery.
• The child-life specialists host tours of the hospital every Wednesday at 1 p.m and can be reached by telephone at 250-727-4456.
Source: Vancouver Island Health Authority
