Helping Kids Create a Coping Plan

A huge part of what child life specialists do is help create and facilitate coping plans for stressful moments and procedures.

First, it’s important to remember to give kids CHOICES in their coping plan as a way to have some control over their situation. Of course it’s rarely a choice of whether or not the procedure will happen, but we can give choices in other areas. One way we can help is to offer those choices. Here are some ideas to get started:

1. Preparation vs. no preparation: Of course we always encourage preparation so that the child knows what to expect, but sometimes they’d rather not hear information and if that’s their choice, we should respect it.

2. Point of focus: Typically kids prefer to be distracted rather than watch the procedure, so I usually offer a show, movie, or toy they’d like! But sometimes, kids who are more information-seeking will actually want to watch what the healthcare provider is doing rather than be distracted - I think it gives a sense of control.

3. Coping Techniques: These are techniques you can offer to the child and see what they think would help them the best!

   1. Distraction (mentioned above)

   2. Deep breathing (long breaths, circle breathing, blowing bubbles, etc.)

   3. Counting

   4. Calming music or guided imagery

   5. Squeezing something (a stuffed animal or stress ball or someone’s hand)

4. Parental involvement: Do they want to sit in a parent’s lap? Will they need a comfort hold? Who will be the “one voice” coaching them through - a staff member or parent?

5. Pain control: This depends on what’s available, but we always try to use at least one method of pain control, whether it be numbing cream, cold spray, or Buzzy (I know all hospitals offer different options and do things differently). I’ll usually let kids feel Buzzy and cold spray and let them choose one or both!

6. “Just do it” vs. countdown: I always ask the child if they want a 3-2-1 or if the nurse or doctor should “just do it.” You’d be surprised the number of kids who pick “just do it” - their bravery impresses me every day!