Helpful Hints and Recommended Reading for Children and Parents
Child Life Program
Helpful Hints Before Surgery
- Read books about going to the hospital (see book list below).
- Bring your child’s favorite item of comfort on the day of surgery: toy, stuffed animal, blanket or favorite video.
- Offer honest and simple explanations about your child’s surgical experience.
- Try to remain calm. Children can easily sense anxiety and will follow your cue.
Book List
Preschool children: (Ages 2 - 4 years)
- Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeois
- A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital by Deborah Hautzig
- Going to the Hospital by Fred Rogers
School aged Children: (Ages 5 - 12 years)
- Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeous
- A Big Operation The Busy World of Richard Scarry
- Curious George Goes to the Hospital by Margaret Rey and H. A. Rey
- A Hospital Story by Sara Bonnet Stein
- The Hospital Book by James Howe
- Why am I Going to The Hospital? By Claire Ciliotta and Carole Livingston
Adolescents: (Ages 13 - 19 years)
- For Teenagers: Your Stay In The Hospital , by Association for the Care of Children's Health
- The Teenage Hospital Experience: You Can Handle It by Elizabeth Richter
For Parents: (contain chapters on pre-surgical preparation)
- A Child in Pain: How to Help, What to Do by Laura Kuttner
- Mr. Rogers Talks with Parents by Fred Rogers
- Touchpoints by T. Berry Brazelton
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