Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation

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Pre-procedure preparation

Limit your explanations about the procedure to 10 or 15 minutes, because preschoolers have a limited attention span. Preparation should take place directly before the test or procedure so that the child doesn't worry about it for days or weeks in advance.

Here are some general guidelines for preparing your child for a test or procedure:

• Explain the procedure in language your child understands and use concrete terms, avoiding abstract terminology.
• Make sure your child understands the exact body part to be involved and that the procedure will be limited to that area.
• If the procedure affects part of the body that serves a noticeable function (such as speech, hearing, or urination), explain how the procedure will affect or not affect the function.
• While talking about the procedure with your child, avoid words that have more than one meaning.
• Give your child permission to yell, cry, or otherwise express any pain verbally.
• If you think your child has not understood something you are explaining, ask if he or she understands, and be certain that you define all new terms in simple language.
• To the best of your ability, describe how the test will feel.
• Allow your child to practice different positions or movements that will be required for the particular test or procedure, such as the fetal position for a lumbar puncture.
• Be honest with your child about discomfort that may be felt
• Stress the benefits of the procedure and anything that the child may find pleasurable afterwards, such as feeling better, or going home. You may want to take your child for ice cream or some other treat afterwards, but do not make this conditional on "being good" for the test.
• Practice deep breathing and other comforting activities. If possible, have your child hold your hand and tell him or her to squeeze it when he or she feels pain.