School age test or procedure preparation

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PLAY PREPARATION

Play and third-person communication can be wonderful ways of demonstrating the procedure for your child, and identifying concerns.

For younger school age children, this technique is appropriate. Older school age children might view this approach as childish. Consider the intellectual needs of your child before using this type of communication.

Older children may benefit from films that show children of the same age explaining, demonstrating, and undergoing the same procedure. Ask your health care provider if such films are available for your child's viewing.

The play technique should be tailored to each child, and most health care facilities that are oriented towards children (such as a children's hospital) will use a similar technique to prepare your child. This type of communication may take some practice.

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Children often avoid responding when asked direct questions about their feelings. Some children are happy to share their feelings, but as anxiety and fear increase, it is not uncommon for a child to withdraw.

Most young children have an important object or toy that may be a tool for a type of interaction called third-party communication.

It may be less threatening for your child to communicate concerns through the toy or object than to express them directly. For example, a child may be able to understand a blood test if you discuss how the doll might "feel" during the test.

Toys or dolls might help you explain the procedure. Once you are familiar with the procedure, demonstrate on the toy what your child will experience. For example, show positions, bandages, stethoscopes, and how the skin is cleaned.

Medical toys are available, or you can ask your health care provider to share some of the items used in the test for your demonstration (except for needles and other sharp items). After your demonstration, allow your child to play with some of the safe items. Watch your child for clues to concerns and fears.

Drawing is another way for children to express themselves. Ask your child to draw the procedure after you have explained and demonstrated it. You may be able to identify concerns through your child's art.