Knowing how a child may react to a medical encounter can help make it a less stressful experience. Below is some helpful information and how you can support your child depending on their age.I am an INFANTMy caregiver makes me feel safe and I don’t like separationRocking or singing to me can help calm meI like routinesUnfamiliar people may scare meThings that may help me:Swaddle me to help me feel secureLower the lights and use soft voicesWatching my crib mobileA pacifier can be soothingA rattle or similar toy may help distract meI am a TODDLERI like to say “No”I am afraid of strangersI am scared of shots and needlesMy caregiver makes me feel safeRoutine is important to meI am learning to do things on my ownI use play to gain control and show how I am feelingThings that may help me:Avoid separating me from my caregiver when possibleGive me choices when possibleHelp distract me with toys that light up or make noiseBlowing bubblesSinging a songTell me what you are going to do in advanceUtilize a position of comfortKeep my routine when possibleToys I might like: Blocks, picture books, push/pull toys, balls, musical toys, stacking rings, stuffed animalI am a PRE-SCHOOLERI am fearful of strangersI am scared of shots and needlesI like to make choices when possibleI may think I am in the hospital because I did something wrongI am becoming more independent but still don’t like separation from caregiversThings that may help me:Allow choices when possibleKeep my caregiver closeTell me what you are going to do in advance and explain it simply and clearly so I understandBlowing bubbles or taking deep breathsHelp distract me with toys that light up or make noiseSinging a song or looking at a bookUtilize a position of comfortKeep my routine when possiblePlaying is familiar to me and can help me feel calmer, especially medical play and pretend playToys I might like: books, coloring book and large crayons, blocks, musical toys, dolls or stuffed animal, action figuresI am SCHOOL-AGEI can understand why I am in the hospitalI am scared of shots and needlesI like to make my own choicesI don’t like to be separated from my caregiverI have definite interests and enjoy talking about themPrivacy is becoming important to me and I may feel a loss of privacy and controlThings that may help me:Let me decide my coping techniquesGive me clear explanation and preparation before procedures or tests so I know what to expectGive me choices when possibleUse distraction such as television, music, games or talking to help me feel calmToys I might like: things to build like LEGOs, art activities, board or card games, puzzles, video games, action figuresI am a TEENAGER:Friends are very important to meI may fear loss of peer status while in the hospitalI am independent and value privacyI want to make decisionsThings that may help me:Respect my need for privacyAllow me to be a part of the care planInvolve me in decisions when possibleHelp me feel a part of the medical team

RECENT POSTS:

SEARCH BY TAGS: