Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
Alternate Names : Preparing Preschoolers for Test/Procedure, Test/Procedure Preparation - Preschooler
DefinitionProper preparation for a test or procedure reduces your child's anxiety about the situation, encourage cooperation, and help develop coping skills.
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Description
Preparation can be effective in reducing distress in children undergoing medical tests and can minimize the amount of crying and resistance to the procedure. Research finds that lowering anxiety can actually decrease the sensation of pain felt by people during uncomfortable procedures.
Before the test, know that your child probably will cry and that preparation may not change the fact that your child will feel some discomfort or pain. You can try demonstrating what will happen during the test in advance to learn about your child's particular fears and concerns. Using a doll or other object to "act out" some of the procedure may help reveal worries that the child may not be willing to discuss directly.
This can help reduce your child's anxiety, because most people are more frightened of the unknown than they are when they know exactly what to expect. If a child's fears are unrealistic, you can explain what will actually happen; if he or she is worried about something that is an unavoidable part of the test, do not minimize his or her concerns but reassure the child that you will be there to help as much as you can.
Make sure your child understands that the procedure is not a punishment.
The most important way you can help your child is through this kind of preparation and by providing support around the time of the procedure.
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