How to Help Your Child

你最了解你的孩子，知道他们可能需要多少时间来考虑这次拜访并提出问题. Below are some general guidelines by age:  

• Toddlers – The day of the procedure 
• Pre-school/Young School Age – A day or two in advance 
• School-age and Up – Several days to weeks ahead of time 

帮助儿童和青少年了解即将到来的医疗经历可以帮助减少不确定性, misunderstandings, and worry. 它还可以使他们在整个医疗经历中感到更加成功. 首先收集你需要的信息，以便最好地解释他们即将进行的测试或程序. Talk to your medical team and read through our preparation stories to help you feel more comfortable talking with your child. Children can sense how their caregivers are feeling; the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed they will be.   

下面是一些在谈话中可以触及的要点: 

• Who will be involved.
  • Doctors, nurses, child life specialists, you, etc.  
• What your child will see, hear, and feel.
  • 使用孩子熟悉的词语，包括涉及到身体的哪些部位.
  • 虽然它可能是诱人的，以避免部分测试或程序，可能会导致压力, it is important to be honest. 如果你的孩子问什么东西会不会疼，用温和的语言解释他们会有什么感觉:
  •  Example:
    • Your nurse will gently slide a tiny needle under your skin. You may feel a pinch, but that feeling will not last forever.

• Where 该程序将进行，并且在测试/程序期间您将在哪里.
  • In a treatment room, operating room, emergency department, etc.
• 你认为你的孩子什么时候能回家，或者检查需要多长时间.
• Why the test, procedure, or hospitalization is needed.
  • Examples:  
    • “To help understand how your __ is working.”  
    • “To help make your __ feel better.” 

If your child asks questions that you do not know the answer to, encourage them to write them down and ask their medical team.

After you have given your child the facts about a test or procedure, 和他们谈谈他们可以使用什么应对策略来尽可能地保持舒适. 最重要的是，问问他们认为什么能让他们感觉舒服. Consider the following questions:

• Would they like a support person with them to hold their hand?
• Would they like to sit up or lay down (if possible)?
• 他们是否希望被告知正在进行的手术步骤?
• 他们是想亲眼看到手术过程，还是宁愿把目光移开?
• Would they like a countdown before feeling any discomfort?

You are the expert on your child. We value your input and consider you a part of the team. 和你孩子的医疗团队谈谈你提出的计划.

只要你在测试或过程中感到舒适, you can stay with and provide support to your child. Here are some tips: 

• Provide verbal support and praise. Be specific.
  Examples:
  • “You are doing a great job holding still!”
  • “Good job taking those deep breaths.”
• 让你的孩子参与应对策略，尤其是那些你们一起想出的策略.
• Holding Your Child During a Procedure

You can also ask for a child life specialist to help support your child during a test or procedure. A member of the child life team will do their best to be present.

Infant

• Holding your baby
• Shushing
• Soft voice
• Pacifier
• Music or singing
• Rattles

Toddler

• Holding your toddler
• Music or singing
• Bubbles
• Light up toys
• Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.)

Preschool

• Music or singing
• Bubbles
• Counting
• Alternative focus using videos, games, or books

School-age

• Conversation
• Stress ball
• Deep breathing
• Music
• Alternative focus using videos or games

Adolescents

• Conversation
• Deep breathing
• Music
• Guided imagery
• Alternative focus using videos or games

从家里带一些孩子最喜欢的东西可以给他们带来安慰. 让你的孩子选择一些物品打包，可能会给他们一种控制感. Some things to bring with you include:

• Stuffed animal
• Blanket
• Comfortable clothing, pajamas, or slippers
• Toys, games, or books
• Tablet or cellphone (plus chargers!)
• Toiletries

我们建议您在所有的私人物品上注明您孩子的名字，这样我们可以方便地记录您的物品. Additionally, 我们要求您将乳胶气球和鲜花留在家中，以避免任何潜在的安全或健康危害.

Any new or unfamiliar experience in a child’s life, such as hospitalization or illness, can seem very scary for them and their family. 孩子们需要以诚实的方式做好准备，以应对他们的医院经历. 有一个项目可以帮助你和你的孩子为医院的经历做好准备. It may include some or all of the following:

• Viewing photos of the areas in the hospital your child will see.
• Participating in a medical play session based on your child’s age.
• Viewing an age-appropriate movie about having an operation.
• Receiving a tour of the surgery center and inpatient unit if needed.
• 会见一些可能在手术当天照顾你孩子的工作人员.

这个项目帮助孩子们减少了恐惧，更愿意合作, because they know what to expect. Also, 家长们觉得这个项目让他们感觉更轻松，并为孩子将要经历的事情做好了准备.

Find more information and resources here.

儿童生活专家与儿童烧伤幸存者及其家人一起工作，在烧伤治疗期间提供支持, enhancing coping during hospitalization, supporting through visual differences a burn injury may cause, 并提供编程机会，如勇气之珠和夏令营.

Find more information and resources here.