Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
Alternate Names : Preparing Toddler for Test/Procedure, Test/Procedure Preparation - Toddler
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Pre-procedure preparation
Limit your explanations about the procedure to 5 or 10 minutes, because toddlers
have a short attention span. Any preparation should take place directly before
the test or procedure.
Some general guidelines for preparing your child for a test or procedure
include the following:
- Explain the procedure in language your child understands, and use concrete
terms, avoiding abstract terminology.
- Make sure your child understands the exact body part 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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