Learn how to talk to your kids about their pediatric surgery in Orange County.
While surgery can provide the necessary interventions to save countless lives, it does come with risks. These risks make surgery scary, especially for children. To be attached to tubes, wires, and beeping machines and separated from your parents can be terrifying. Not only is it scary, but it can be hard to understand what’s happening to them. That’s why it’s important to talk to your kids about an impending pediatric surgery in Orange County beforehand. Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, there are tactful ways to talk to your kids before surgery. Check out these tips to help.
Toddlers:
Get your toddler ready for surgery by making small changes to their daily routine. Adjust diet restrictions and sleep patterns to help lessen the impact of a hospital stay. Also, start to expose your child to unfamiliar people and environments. Start to explain to your toddler about the impending surgery a day or two prior to the operation. Ease the stress of spending time in the hospital and prepare your child by bringing something soothing like a security blanket or favorite toy.
School-Aged Kids:
Prepare your kid for surgery by preparing them for the changes that will come with surgery. Change up their routine to match one more suited to their hospital stay, get them used to unfamiliar environments, prepare them for homesickness, and talk to the school about the school work they’re missing. Start to talk to your school-aged child about their upcoming procedure about a week or two before the surgery.
Adolescents:
Preparing your teen for surgery is similar to preparing your school-aged kids. However, keep them involved in the whole process from the moment you find out that they’re having surgery. Since they’re older, they can understand what’s happening and why. However, they still need to be nurtured and given the love and support of their family.
Make sure to talk to your child about an upcoming pediatric surgery in Orange County. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our Orange County pediatric surgeons are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!