Talking with your child before surgery can help them to cope with the experience by knowing what to expect.

The hospital environment has many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and people which can be confusing or worrying for a child. 

To help your child make sense of what’s happening to them, it’s important to give them accurate and age-appropriate information. 

Without explanation, a child can invent their own reasons for being in hospital and these may be more frightening for them than the reality.

Research shows this is the best way to lower a child’s anxiety and results in less emotional challenges after going home from hospital.

Read the below short stories with your child to help with surgery preparation.