Make Trips to the Doctor Less Stressful

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Child Life Specialists Offer Six Tips

Going to the doctor is a common occurrence for children but may not be one they enjoy. Certified child life specialists at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital have six tips for making any health care experience a positive one.

Offer Choices

Let your child be involved when possible, even in a simple decision. This gives them a sense of control in an unpredictable environment.

Offer a Soothing Touch

A hug, a little hand squeeze or a back rub can reassure your child that you are there to support
him or her throughout this experience.

Provide Distraction

Focus on a book, movie, toy or even a guessing game to divert attention from a poke or procedure.

Take Comfort Measures

The comfort and familiarity of pacifiers, blankies, teddy bears, baby dolls or trucks can save the day by soothing anxious children.

Explain, Explain, Explain

If you know about a procedure, telling your child a little about what to expect so they can feel more prepared and the procedure will seem less scary.

Relax Together

Encourage your child to sing, tell jokes, say the ABCs, count, listen to music or think about
his or her favorite place. If you are relaxed, chances are your child will be relaxed, too.

Watch certified child life specialist Shauna Boughey share these tips in a video.

“Children love choice,” said Jodi Bauers, child life manager, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “It’s their way of controlling their environment even if there’s not much to control.”

The certified child life specialists at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital help normalize life for every young patient facing illness. Anxiety stems from the unknown. Children can cope better when they understand what to expect. Our child life specialists help children conquer fears and gain a sense of mastery over surgery, procedures and illnesses using information and imagination. For example, they use creative fun, play and learning, self-expression, family involvement and peer interaction.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians with specialized training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit devoschildrens.org to learn more or devoschildrens.org/2011 to learn about the new hospital opening in 2011.