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Is surgery scary for kids?
Explain that it’s normal to feel a little weird after surgery. Although every person has a different experience, a child who was sedated or had general anesthesia may feel groggy, confused, chilly, nauseated, scared, alarmed, or even sad when the medications wear off. That’s all perfectly normal.
Should you tell kids about surgery?
Communicate with your child. Doug recommends allowing your child to ask questions about their surgery. “Parents often tell me that they don’t know how to tell their kids about surgery…But communicating with your child [about the surgery] is most important for them in developing trust,” shares Leffin.
What do you say to your child before surgery?
Tell your child in simple words that he or she will be coming to the hospital. Explain why they need this procedure and when it will happen. Encourage your child to ask questions and share feelings. This can help you to correct misconceptions.
Which age is best for surgery?
Age-Appropriate Information About Surgery
- Infants: 0 to 12 months.
- Toddlers: 1 to 3 years.
- Preschoolers: 3 to 5 years.
- School-aged: 5 to 12 years.
- Teenagers: 12 to 18 years.
Do hospitals do surgery at night?
Half of all surgeries were performed in the morning (152 cases, 53.15%); 73 surgeries (25.5%) were performed in the evening and 61 (21.3%) were performed late at night. Surgeries performed during late-night shifts were marginally better.
How do I comfort my child after surgery?
How Can I Help My Child?
- Hold your young child in your lap, if possible.
- Take your child or teenager’s hand and talk to them to help comfort and relax them.
- Hold and rock your infant, and use a pacifier to comfort him or her.
- Talk with the nurse if you think your child is having pain but not expressing it to the staff.
How do you explain surgery to a 6 year old?
Do the following to help prepare your school-aged child for surgery:
- Keep your emotions under control.
- Choose your words carefully when explaining surgery to your child.
- Let your child understand the reason for surgery.
- Take a tour of the surgery department with your child if the hospital has this option.
How do I keep my child calm during surgery?
Talk about it. Talking about your fears, getting them out in the open, and finding answers to your questions can all help reduce stress and anxiety. If your child is old enough, have an honest but positive conversation of what to expect on the day of the procedure and afterward.