Preparing a Child for the Hospital
Children often need special help coping with acute and chronic illness. In order to address social, emotional, and psychological needs, child life specialists offer: appropriate explanations and activities; preparation before, and support during and after stressful events; therapeutic and recreational play opportunities; and coordinated holiday, entertainment, and special visitor events. If your child is age three to eleven and is scheduled for surgery at Banner Desert, check out the Pre-Op Class & Tour offered by Child Life & Volunteer Services.  Siblings are welcome. Call Volunteer Services at (480) 512-3258 or Child Life at (480) 512-6121.

Tips from our Child Life Specialists
Helping your child feel more comfortable in the hospital

• Use a soft, calm voice
• Stay with your child during treatments and procedures, if possible – your presence is comporting and healing.
• Hold or touch your child.
• Rock your infant to soothe him or her.
• Be honest and use simple language.
• Give your child realistic choices, when possible, such as deciding which finger to use during a needle stick.
• Listen to your child's concerns. It is okay for your child to ask questions, cry and talk about feelings. Crying is a release for tension, anger and hurt, and is healthy.
• Encourage your child during a procedure with words like "You are doing a great job holding still."
• Try deep breathing or using a distraction which can help reduce pain.
• Use imagery to re-focus attention on a pleasant past activity.

Preparing a child for surgery
Helping your child recover from surgery

• Children waking up from anesthesia react in different ways. They may be disoriented, complacent or frightened. They may cry or try to talk to you. Crying is a common coping technique for children, and for infants and toddlers, is the primary way for them to communicate that they are distressed about something.
• Infants, toddlers and preschoolers may be frightened because of their temporary separation from you. As soon as you are able, stay with your child. Offer support, reassurance, and praise in a soothing voice.
• Tell your child: "It's okay to cry. I understand this is hard." "It hurts now, but it will start to feel better soon."
• Tell the hospital staff if you think your child is experiencing pain. The caregivers' goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible.
• If your child is required to drink fluids before going home, encourage them to drink by saying "You've done a great job today. Would you like to try a sip of water now?" You may also try drinking fluids with your child to encourage them.

From Left to Right: Phoenix Suns Guard Steve Nash,
Forward Brian Grant and Forward Curt Thomas