What Parents Can Do

• Gather information
  Know why your child needs a procedure, how the procedure may feel and how long it will last. Consider being with your child during the procedure and ask a child life specialist about medical play.
  
  
• Be honest and sensitive
  Explain to your child why the procedure is needed and what will likely be heard, felt and seen. Be honest with your child about what may hurt and what will not. Try to avoid creating undue concern for your child.
  
  
• Encourage curiosity and exploration
  Becoming familiar with the hospital, doctor’s office or clinic and understanding the equipment that will be used during treatment or diagnosis is very important to a child. Help your child learn about the purpose of the examination and the medical equipment with which they will be in contact.
  
  
• Reassure your child
  Make sure your child knows that the hospital, doctor’s office or clinic is not a punishment and is not necessarily a place where children will experience pain.
  
  
• Use simple language
  When describing a medical procedure, try to use words that do not have double meanings or are threatening. Use the word “medicine” instead of “dye,” “bed on wheels” instead of “gurney” and “numb” or “make sleepy” instead of “deaden.”
  
  
• Listen to your child’s concerns
  Let your child know that it is okay to ask questions, cry and talk about his or her feelings.
  
  
• Give your child choices
  Allowing children to take more of a role in the procedure, such as deciding which finger gets stuck with a needle, or whether they sit on the examining table or on a parent’s lap for a shot, can help lessen anxiety and pain related to painful procedures.
  
  
• Help your child manage pain
  Many coping strategies can be used to help reduce anxiety and perceptions of pain and discomfort. Teach your child that deep, steady breathing can help them cope with the pain. Let them squeeze your hand and say, “Ouch!” or “That hurt!” Distract your child with songs, books, blowing bubbles, video games, music, etc., to divert attention from pain and anxiety. Know it is okay to ask for a topical medicine for your child, which can help minimize the pain and discomfort of needle sticks.
  
  
• Comfort your child
  Touching is an important part of healing. If medical needs prevent you from holding or rocking your child, you may still stroke your child or hold his or her hand.
  
  
• Encourage play
  Children learn about their world and how to cope by playing. Play gives children control and a way to work out and understand their feelings. Playing with puppets, painting pictures, telling stories, etc.—before and after a procedure—are some meaningful ways to teach children about their health care needs and experiences. Ask for someone from the child life team, including our “volunteer grandparents” to stop by for a visit.