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
