No matter how simple or complex your child’s surgery, no procedure is small when it’s your child.

As a parent, it is helpful to gather as much accurate information as possible about the surgery so you are able to answer your child’s questions honestly. The hospital will provide you with general information about surgery date and times, but your child may be curious about more concrete details. Ask your child questions to find out what they know, this way you can determine if they have a realistic understanding of what to expect.

Read age-appropriate books about hospital visits and discuss them with your child (include siblings; they are often just as curious about the upcoming event). Many hospitals offer a preoperative tour and information session for families as well as an opportunity to discuss your child’s medical history with a nurse prior to surgery. The tour and teaching session will allow you and your child to learn more about what to expect on the day of surgery. Children can try out medical equipment, learn about anaesthesia and see where they will spend their time while in the hospital.

Consider the age of your child when determining the best way to prepare for an upcoming hospital visit. For babies and toddlers having surgery, the best preparation is for everyone to be well rested. Ensure a parent is able to be with the baby and bring along some familiar items from home to help soothe and distract your infant. Talk softly to your baby as unfamiliar people approach, this will help them cope with new faces. Just before procedures or exams, reassure your toddler by explaining what the care provider is about to do. Ask the nurse to ‘demonstrate’ on a stuffed animal or on you, as children at this age learn best by watching.

For preschoolers, explain in simple language that they can understand about the upcoming surgery. Allow them to ask questions, offer them choices around what to bring to the hospital and offer opportunities for them to play and express their feelings.

School-age children have a basic understanding of how their bodies work. Start discussing the surgery a couple of weeks in advance. Let your child ask questions and discuss why the surgery is necessary, what to expect and how it may feel. If there are things you do not know, promise to follow up once you have done some more research.

Teenagers are interested in more detailed information. Work together as partners to seek out information. Be prepared to discuss issues around privacy and body image.

Finally, be aware that siblings may struggle with what is happening to their brother or sister or other issues like being separated from their parent(s). Again, be open and honest with every member of the family.

Preparing your family and yourself prior to a child’s surgery is an important tool for helping to ensure the best experience possible.

Check out the Alberta Children’s Hospital website, which offers information, a photo tour, resources and links, to help you prepare for an upcoming surgery at www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/achsurgery.

Lisa has been a Child Life Specialist for the past 17 years, helping children and families cope with hospitalization through play, preparation and education. For more information, visit calgaryhealthregion.ca/achsurgery or contact Lisa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .