School Age Test/Procedure Preparation

Play preparation

Play and third-person communication can be wonderful in revealing ways of
demonstrating the procedure for your child, and identifying his or her concerns. For younger school age children, this technique is very appropriate.

Older school age children might view this approach as childish. Consider the
intellectual needs of your child before implementing this type of communication.

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

This technique needs to be individualized for each child, and most health care
facilities that are oriented towards children, such as a children's hospital,
use this same technique to prepare your child. This type of communication can
take some practice.

Children asked direct questions about their feelings often are avoidant and elusive. Of course, some children are happy to share their feelings with you, but as anxiety and fear increase it is not uncommon for the child to withdraw.

Most young children have an object of importance they keep close to them. This
object or toy can be a tool for a type of interaction called third-party
communication.

It is less threatening for your child to communicate concerns through the toy or object, than to express them directly. For example, consider a 7-year old girl who is clearly afraid, has a doll named Karen, and is going to have her blood drawn.

You could look at the girl and tell her that Karen looks like she might feel afraid. Your child may or may not share those feelings at this point, and additional questioning along this line may be necessary.

The same object or doll can be a productive tool for explaining the procedure.
Young school age children continue to manifest concrete thinking. Concrete
thinking involves taking everything literally, and an inability to make deductions or generalizations.

Once you have been briefed by your health care provider about the procedure, demonstrate on the toy or object what your child will experience. For example, show positioning, bandages, stethoscopes, and cleaning the skin.

Medical toys are available, or you can ask whether your health care provider can share some of the noninvasive items you need for the demonstration and play period. After your demonstration, allow your child to play with some of the noninvasive items. The way he or she plays can also give you clues regarding 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 or misconceptions through your child's artistic expression.