Preparing your child for surgery: Practical tips for any age
Surgery can be a stressful experience for children and families. Feeling well prepared can help reduce anxiety, support recovery, and make it a positive experience.
When a child needs surgery, it can be a stressful and worrying time for both the child and their family. Being in an unfamiliar environment, being the focus of attention, and going through various procedures can make the child feel nervous and uncomfortable.
Parents and caregivers naturally feel worried too, and may wonder how they can stay calm and support their child to make the experience easier for everyone.
This article shares simple, age-appropriate ways to help prepare a child for hospital visits, advice for caregivers on managing their own feelings, and practical tips for getting ready for surgery, what to do on the day, and how to help the child recover as well as possible.
A 2020 study found that 75% of children experience anxiety before surgery.
As children differ, so will their feelings toward surgery. The age of the child, the type of surgery they are having, their previous experiences, any developmental differences they have, and their general anxiety level will all have a bearing on how they feel before and after surgery.
Anxiety that is not well managed before and after surgery may have a psychological impact that presents as emotional or behavioral issues at a later date.
Siblings of a child having surgery can often feel left out or overlooked, and they might not tell anyone that they are feeling worried or nervous. Their sleep may be affected, and their behavior may change.
It is equally important that caregivers give them opportunities to talk through their feelings and ask questions about the surgery.
Making plans for fun activities or special treats they can look forward to can help take their minds off worries and show them that their feelings and happiness are important too.
A child’s age and developmental stage will influence how to prepare them for surgery. No matter their age, it is important to create chances for children to ask questions and share how they are feeling.
It is okay to tell children that this is a new experience for both of you, and that feeling unsure or worried is normal.
Talking with them in a simple way about what will happen, how the surgery will help them, and what good things they can look forward to can help calm their nerves.
There are some aspects of being in the hospital that children might enjoy, such as eating from trays, playing with lots of toys, and being looked after by friendly doctors and nurses who help lots of other children. Remember to focus on the positive aspects and stay upbeat.
The following sections highlight age-appropriate ways to prepare children for surgery.
At this age, children are
Preschool children learn through play, so this is a great strategy for familiarizing them with what happens in the hospital. Children may experience significant stranger and separation anxiety.
School-age children are more able to understand explanations and often formulate their own questions. Younger children in this age range may experience separation anxiety.
Many of the approaches mentioned above can also help teenagers prepare for surgery, but their evolving independence requires consideration. Teenagers may have issues regarding body image and self-esteem.
Around 74% of parents experience anxiety before their child has surgery, according to a 2020 study.
However, parental anxiety can increase anxiety in children, which can negatively impact a child’s behavior and recovery after surgery.
Caregivers must take a calm approach, as children will look to the adults around them for guidance on how they should feel and behave.
Writing lists for what to pack and what to remember can help make the days leading up to surgery easier. Here are some starting points:
Find practical tips to prepare for surgery and recovery.
When a child is having planned surgery, preparing them mentally, emotionally, and practically is key to creating a positive experience. Caregivers can do this by learning about what the surgery involves and talking with medical staff about how to discuss it with the child.
All children need space to ask questions as they arise and know that whatever they are thinking or feeling is valid. Parents also need to manage their own anxiety, which may involve talking with other adults, including professionals, practicing self-care, and preparing practically for what is to come.