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      Support through the ages (and stages)

       

      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 INFANT

      My caregiver makes me feel safe and I don’t like separation

      Rocking or singing to me can help calm me

      I like routines

      Unfamiliar people may scare me

      Things that may help me:

      Swaddle me to help me feel secure

      Lower the lights and use soft voices

      Watching my crib mobile

      A pacifier can be soothing

      A rattle or similar toy may help distract me

       

      I am a TODDLER

      I like to say “No”

      I am afraid of strangers

      I am scared of shots and needles

      My caregiver makes me feel safe

      Routine is important to me

      I am learning to do things on my own

      I use play to gain control and show how I am feeling

      Things that may help me:

      Avoid separating me from my caregiver when possible

      Give me choices when possible

      Help distract me with toys that light up or make noise

      Blowing bubbles

      Singing a song

      Tell me what you are going to do in advance

      Utilize a position of comfort

      Keep my routine when possible

      Toys I might like: Blocks, picture books, push/pull toys, balls, musical toys, stacking rings, stuffed animal

       

      I am a PRE-SCHOOLER

      I am fearful of strangers

      I am scared of shots and needles

      I like to make choices when possible

      I may think I am in the hospital because I did something wrong

      I am becoming more independent but still don’t like separation from caregivers

      Things that may help me:

      Allow choices when possible

      Keep my caregiver close

      Tell me what you are going to do in advance and explain it simply and clearly so I understand

      Blowing bubbles or taking deep breaths

      Help distract me with toys that light up or make noise

      Singing a song or looking at a book

      Utilize a position of comfort

      Keep my routine when possible

      Playing is familiar to me and can help me feel calmer, especially medical play and pretend play

      Toys I might like: books, coloring book and large crayons, blocks, musical toys, dolls or stuffed animal, action figures

       

      I am SCHOOL-AGE

      I can understand why I am in the hospital

      I am scared of shots and needles

      I like to make my own choices

      I don’t like to be separated from my caregiver

      I have definite interests and enjoy talking about them

      Privacy is becoming important to me and I may feel a loss of privacy and control

      Things that may help me:

      Let me decide my coping techniques

      Give me clear explanation and preparation before procedures or tests so I know what to expect

      Give me choices when possible

      Use distraction such as television, music, games or talking to help me feel calm

      Toys I might like: things to build like LEGOs, art activities, board or card games, puzzles, video games, action figures

       

      I am a TEENAGER:

      Friends are very important to me

      I may fear loss of peer status while in the hospital

      I am independent and value privacy

      I want to make decisions

      Things that may help me:

      Respect my need for privacy

      Allow me to be a part of the care plan

      Involve me in decisions when possible

      Help me feel a part of the medical team

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Tags:

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      medical

      preparation

      pediatrician

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