How to Make a Child’s Hospital Visit Feel Less Scary

Going to the hospital can be an anxiety-provoking and scary experience for children. As a parent or
caregiver, you play a key role in helping your child feel comfortable, calm and supported throughout
their hospital visit. Here are some tips on how to make your child’s hospital visit less intimidating.

Prepare Them in Advance
It’s important to talk to your child about their hospital visit ahead of time. Explain why they need to
go and what will happen in simple, age-appropriate terms. For younger children, compare it to going
to the doctor’s surgery for a check-up. Validate any worries they express and let them know you’ll be
right there the whole time.
Reassure your children or any children you are fostering with Fosterplus by reading storybooks
about going to the hospital or watch informative videos geared towards kids. Point out the helpful
doctors and nurses. This will help familiarise your child with the experience. Consider roleplaying
anticipated parts of the visit like getting height and weight measured.

Pack Familiar Comfort Items
Bring along your child’s favourite stuffed animal, blanket or book. Having these familiar comfort
items will help them feel more secure. Pack some healthy snacks and a tablet loaded with games,
movies or music they enjoy. This will keep them occupied during any waiting periods, which can be
long and boring.
If your child has a toy they can’t sleep without, ask if it can stay with them overnight if they need to
be admitted. Many hospitals allow special exceptions for items that bring emotional support.

Stick to Regular Routines
Try to keep your child’s routine as normal as possible. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep before
and avoid unnecessary disruptions. Pack their toothbrush and any other daily essentials to promote
a sense of normalcy.
Ask about the hospital’s meal schedule and plan to give your child their usual snacks and mealtimes.
Maintaining routines provides stability and comfort.

Use Distractions During Procedures
Work with the paediatric nurses to make procedures like blood draws or injections go as smoothly as
possible. Apply numbing cream beforehand if recommended. Have your child listen to music, watch
a show or play a game during the procedure to provide a Positive Distraction.
Give clear explanations of what will happen and why. Offer praise and comfort throughout. After it’s
done, celebrate their bravery with a special treat or fun activity.

Be Honest and Patient
Children look to their caregivers for how to react. Keep a calm, positive attitude and reassure them
that you are there every step of the way. Be honest if something might hurt but emphasising it will
be quick and the medical team will help make sure they stay comfortable.
Answer any questions simply and honestly. Don’t minimise fears or get frustrated. Patience and
compassion go a long way in easing anxiety.
Preparing your child both physically and emotionally can transform a nerve-racking hospital visit into
a much more positive experience. Take steps to normalise it, provide comfort and minimise stress.
Your supportive presence as a caring guide is the most helpful thing of all.