If you have ever had to take your child to the hospital for tests, you know that it is a scary thing. Your child will turn to you for comfort. If you are scared or nervous, you can bet she will be as well.
With our youngest, we have spent many days at the children's hospital. We've done CT Scans and MRI's with and without sedation, ultrasounds, x-rays and blood work. She has always been a real trooper. We have constantly put on a happy face for her even while we were scared of the results for each test.
The other day, we had to go to the hospital for a fairly invasive test.
Here are a few ways to help your child prepare and be her best when going to the hospital or the doctors…
- Tell her the day before that you are going to the hospital/doctor the next day.
- The morning of the procedure, explain to her what is going to happen at the hospital/doctor.
- Bring her a new toy that she can cuddle or look at before/during/after the procedure.
- Make the experience a memory- take pictures and get everyone around them to smile. (We all know taking pictures means it is something we want to remember and why would we want to remember something bad?)
- When possible, have two adults taking the child to the hospital/doctor- she may not always want mom around, she may be happier with grandma.
These five things won't guarantee a great experience, but the will definitely help. Most importantly, don't let her see that you are scared. That's not good for either one of you.
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Great tips! I think you really need to know your child though and whether or not to tell them earlier. Our daughter was dx with cancer and required (and still does) many procedures. We found that giving her time to adjust to her appointments by telling her a few days ahead, helps the anxiety. Also, the Children's hospitals usually have a Child Life Specialist that can work with your child ahead of time. Our hosptial CLS had a DS with a video of the MRI/CT room to help ease the anxiety of what was going to happen. And don't forget support for the parent too. It's hard on us too to watch our child have to go through this too!
Hi Dana-
I totally agree with you, some kids should be prepped days before. Our CLS helped us by explaining to me what to expect so that I could better prepare my daughter.
Support for the parents is very important- and sometimes forgotten.
I hope you daughter is doing well with her diagnosis. My thoughts are with you.