How to Make the Hospital Less Scary for Kids

For Healthcare Professionals:

1. Build rapport and trust: TALK TO THEM! Physically get down on their level and ask them a question about themselves, comment on their shirt or toy, or show them a fun badge reel you have. Tell them what you’re doing before you do it. Kids are people too and deserve the same respect as adults!

2. Limit voices and people: The more voices and people present in the room will naturally raise the tension and stress. Especially for privacy-invading procedures like an enema, I like to advocate for students or other extra people to step out of the room if possible.

3. No surprises: Children are smarter than we realize and deserve to have expectations. Surprising them with a poke will not make it any less traumatizing just because they don’t see the needle. ESPECIALLY don’t poke a child while they’re sleeping. How would you like to be woken up by being poked? Probably not very much.

4. Demonstrate on a parent or stuffed animal first: This is an unfamiliar environment full of strangers, so it’s natural for the child to be scared. If they’re hesitant about vitals or something basic like that, show them how it works on their family member or even a stuffed animal first! This adds to a sense of trust. For example, I always demonstrate cold spray on a caregiver first if the child is scared to feel it! Then the caregiver (someone they trust) can tell the child it doesn’t hurt.

5. Let the child do it (when possible of course): It is human nature to seek control in an environment that lacks control. With simple things like applying numbing cream, removing tape, flush their IV, or taking their temperature - let the child help you!

For Caregivers:

1. PLAY! Play is the natural language of children. It’s how they connect, communicate, and process things. Toys and familiar objects also help normalize new environments like the hospital. Bring your child’s favorite toy or coping tool (like a weighted blanket) with you or ask if they have something similar. It will not be an inconvenience to the staff - we love it because it makes our jobs easier!

2. Get involved: Children’s family members are their “safe people,” and they know the child best. Therefore, they will cope and cooperate better if their family members are present and involved in decision-making. Advocate for your child and for your own involvement. Everyone has the right to family-centered care!

3. Be honest: Way too often I hear parents tell their children that something isn’t going to hurt or even lie about what’s happening because they think it will soften the blow or decrease trauma. But actually it’s the opposite - it only causes confusion or loss of trust. Kids deserve the truth just like we do! If you’re nervous to scare them with medical terms, refer to my post about child-friendly language in the hospital.