It is a news blow to learn that your kid has to undergo the operation. Anticipation, anxiety, and the unknown may be parent feelings, but the right preparation will enable the parent and the child to become calmer and even more confident. By learning the reality and taking the steps of preparation, you will not be as stressed as before, and you will enjoy a relatively calm process. This parent guide for child  surgery is a collection of useful tips and advice that will help you be strong mentally during the time.

Preparation—The First Step to Success

Surgical preparations are about more than just the hospital bag or the paperwork. It’s about dealing with the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of the child's development. Different ages evoke different reactions; kids may worry and be frightened of what they don’t know. Children whose parents follow child surgery preparation tips will feel the presence and support of their parents, thus becoming more confident and getting well ‌  ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌faster.

1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Talk Openly and Honestly

Clear communication with children in an age-appropriate manner is one of the very first steps in preparing them for surgery. Not talking about the issue or giving vague explanations might increase the terrified feelings of a child. Employ simple words and let them pose questions. For instance, you might clarify:

“The doctor will help fix your tummy so it feels better.”

“You will be given some medicine that will make you sleep, and you will not feel any pain during the operation.”

Also, children can better understand the situation through visuals like hospital-related picture books or videos. Comfort them by telling them it is absolutely okay to be anxious and that you will be there with them as much as possible.

2. Visit the Hospital Before Surgery

Try to arrange a hospital visit before the surgery if you can. A tour of the children's hospital, looking at the operating room, meeting the nurses, and learning about the machines in a safe and non-threatening way are usually offered by many hospitals specialized in children. This kind of desensitization decreases the fear of an unfamiliar hospital environment and makes it easier for the child to face ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

3.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Prepare for Physical Comfort  

Make sure your children are physically ready before their surgery. Adhere strictly to the doctor's directions with regard to fasting, taking medicines, and cleaning. Ensure your child is dressed in comfortable clothes, and take along the favorites, like a blanket, a stuffed toy, or a pacifier. These familiar things can serve as emotional support during a new experience.

Help your child to have a good sleep before going to the operation. Children who have had enough sleep are less likely to become irritable and more likely to cooperate; thus, the surgical process will be easier.

4. Use Relaxation and Coping Techniques

Helping your child to learn simple coping methods can have a substantial impact. Anxiety can be alleviated through methods like taking deep breaths, listening to calm music, or visualizing a favorite place. Besides, they may imagine it as a superhero adventure in which the doctors are their allies that help them become stronger.

It is also necessary for parents to keep their stress under control. Kids can detect the stress of their parents, hence, if you maintain a calm and positive attitude, it can give your child confidence and peace of mind.

5. Keep Communication Open Post-Surgery

The time of healing is not limited to when the surgery has been done. After the operation, kids can be in pain, can’t understand what’s going on, or feel nervous. So, parents have to give their children more reassurance, support, and explanations using easy words. Besides, they should observe the presence of pain or distress and obey the doctor's orders for medicines, diet, and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌exercise.

6.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Get Help When Necessary

You are not going through this by yourself. Besides, a child life specialist, counselor or support group is usually available in hospitals to help navigate you through the process. They can provide you with strategies fitted to your child's age and temperament, thus making it a less stressful task of figuring out how to prepare your child for surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Be sure to initiate the talks early with truthful and age-appropriate explanations.
• Turn the hospital visits into a fun activity to pique your child's interest and lessen anxiety.
• Ac company your child in performing the entire Pre-surgery care for children
• Help your child engage in deep breathing, visualization and other coping strategies during the surgery.
• Comfort items such as soft toys can help alleviate anxiety in children.
• Keep the lines of communication open even after the surgery has been done.
• If you feel that you need it, do not hesitate to get professional help and support.

If you take the time to follow the tips on how to prepare a child for surgery, your child will experience the surgery as something safe, secure, and understandable. It is worthwhile remembering that your calm attitude, preparation and reassurance are what makes it easier for your child to accomplish surgery successfully. All the little things you do today can result in a smoother, less stressful experience for you and your child ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tomorrow.