When our kids are scared or nervous, all we want is to comfort them. But, we talk through things with them differently than we do adults. Kids aren’t tiny adults and they deserve to be talked to and given information in ways that match their level of understanding and in ways they can process.
Hospital visits can be scary for anyone, and kids are not exempt from this. If a child will be having surgery, staying in the hospital, or even visiting a parent or sibling in the hospital, they need someone to explain things honestly at a level they can understand. Enter a Child Life Specialist.
Diana Moll is the Child Life Specialist at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. This is a position unique to children’s hospitals so we are lucky to have her right here at EIRMC. We loved chatting with her about how she supports kids and families, as well as, some tips for helping our kids in medical situations they might not fully understand.
Diana’s unique job at the hospital is to normalize the hospital experience for kids. She educates and prepares kids for procedures and surgeries in a way that makes sense to them. In a sense, she is a translator for kids.
Help kids understand their treatment in age-appropriate terms.
When my 6-year-old had surgery to fix a broken bone, I tried to stay calm and explain what was about to happen. I opened with “you’ll get an IV in your arm…” She lost it. She had no idea what an IV was. This child was nervous and I just tried to calm her by telling her something else she didn’t understand – not the best move. A Child Life Specialist knows EXACTLY how to talk to kids about procedures. They know what words and concepts kids can grasp and can explain things to kids in ways that are honest, informative, and appropriate for them. I can only imagine how much better our experience would have been if we had been at a hospital with someone like Diana to explain things that day.
Provide play therapy and distraction techniques to deliver care to children.
Young children learn best through play. So, what better way to prepare a child for a medical procedure than through play? Diana works with kids before and after treatments to help them understand what their procedure is and why it is happening. Using books, dolls, play medical devices, and more she plays with kids to show them about their surgery, MRI, and work through emotions. Same goes for distraction – Child Life Specialists are wizards when it comes to distracting a child with a game or toy so that doctors and nurses can help your child.
Offer bereavement and support during trauma of a parent or sibling.
The child doesn’t have to be the one getting treatment to benefit from a Child Life Specialist like Diana. If a parent or sibling has died or is in the hospital, a family can request for children to meet with Diana. She has tons of experience working with kids in these situations and can help explain and comfort in a child’s greatest time of need.
While Diana can provide support before, during, and after your child’s visit, there are things that we as parents can do to ensure our child is calm (fingers-crossed) and prepared. These tips from Diana can help make a better experience for kids – and parents!
Advice for families preparing children for a hospital visit
Schedule a tour with the Child Life Specialist
Calm some nerves and let kids come see the hospital before their procedure! This is wonderful for parents too! Contact Diana Moll at 208-529-7288 to set up a free pre-surgery tour. Such a wonderful way to help kids know what to expect and feel more comfortable.
Parents – stay calm!
Our kids feed off of our energy. They are watching us always and look to us to know how to respond to uncommon situations. So, try your best to remain calm and positive before, during, and after your child’s procedure.
Avoid making promises about the situation.
Doctors and nurses do their best to see that things go as planned, but things can change at any moment. Try to avoid saying things like “just this one time” or “it will be over soon” as those are promises that may not be kept.
Use developmentally appropriate words.
Use clear specific language that your child will understand. Try to relate unknown objects to things that they can imagine. For example, the IV catheter could be compared to Barbie’s straw. Be sure to use clear, concrete words as well. For example, if a family member has died use the term ‘died’ versus ‘passed away’ so the child understands clearly what has happened.
When our child has to be in the hospital, we want nothing more than for them to be calm and happy. At EIRMC, there is a Child Life Specialist to help make that happen.
More about children’s services at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center ::
We Have A PICU in Idaho Falls. Here’s Why That Matters To You.
Immeasurable Benefits for Families :: Ronald McDonald Room Comes to EIRMC.
Potty Training Tips :: EIRMC Pediatric Therapists Tell All
