How you mentally prepare your child for surgery will largely depend on the age of the child. Some children are too small to understand what will be taking place. Others are older and mature enough to have everything explained to them. Many children who have surgery every year fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. These children are old enough to understand that something’s taking place, but they might not be ready for full disclosure – especially where the risks of surgery are concerned. If that’s the case with your child, it’s important to give him age-appropriate information.
Children are smarter and more intuitive than most people think. With that in mind, they are also still very young and they may be frightened about the prospect of surgery. After all, many adults are nervous and apprehensive when they know that they must have surgery – even if the problem is a relatively minor one. It’s better to avoid discussing the risks of surgery with young children. Answer their questions honestly, but with an upbeat attitude that minimizes worry. A child doesn’t really need to know that he could die from surgery, unless the child is old enough to truly understand what that means and why the surgery is still necessary.
If you aren’t sure how to best talk to your child about his upcoming surgery, it may be better to talk with the doctor so that your child’s questions can be answered. You’ll get a better idea of how to present things to your child that way, and the doctor can answer the harder questions. Pediatric surgeons are well-versed in how to help a child work through the anxiety that he’ll be facing when surgery is getting closer. Don’t underestimate how helpful the doctor and his staff can be in making your child feel better.
