How to Calm a Child Before Surgery

From the antiseptic smell that fills the hospital to the fear of the unknown, surgery can be an intimidating proposition -- particularly for the littlest patients. As a mom, you can calm your little one like no one else can. If your youngster will soon face one of these potentially scary procedures, actively work to make your child̵7;s surgery as positive an experience as possible by employing some calming pre-surgery techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your child about her fears. Ask her to tell you what she is scared of, specifically. Listen attentively as she conveys her worries. After she has fully communicated her fears, provide her with some calming reassurance, but remind her that it is OK to be scared, says the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Don̵7;t try to explain away all of her fears, as this may inadvertently make her feel foolish or belittled, which won̵7;t prove calming at all.

    • 2

      Maintain honesty when speaking about the surgery. Don̵7;t tell your child that going under anesthesia will be like ̶0;taking a nap,̶1; warns the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists. If you say this, you may produce a lasting fear of napping. Also, avoid saying that it won̵7;t hurt. While this may calm the child, it likely isn̵7;t true.

    • 3

      Keep your child busy pre-surgery. Pack a bag of books and toys to occupy your child during the long span of time that will stretch between check-in and surgery time, suggests the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The busier you can keep your tyke, the less time you leave for him to worry about the upcoming procedure.

    • 4

      Talk to hospital workers about playing music. While not universally the case, many hospitals can play music for patients in the operating room. If your little one is particularly musical, hearing her favorite tunes could wash away some of her fears. If the hospital staff will play music, bring a CD with songs from your child̵7;s favorite movie to play on the day of the surgery.

    • 5

      Joke with your child. Memorize a few jokes to get your little one laughing, recommends Jersey Shore Anesthesiology Associates. Whenever you see your little one looking extra nervous, pull out one of these jokes and bring a smile back onto her face.

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