Honesty is a key word. Your child should be told that he or she will be in unfamiliar surroundings but will meet many friendly doctors and nurses. Children need to know that they will have an operation and that there may be some discomfort afterward. Let them know that you may not be with them every minute but will be waiting nearby. Your composure as a parent is essential.
Nothing calms a child more than a confident parent.
Although it is natural for parents to have anxiety when their children are having surgery, it is best not to convey this to your child. Talk to your child about what to expect in the hospital such as corridors, hospital beds and the presence of other children. Reassure your child that everything done during the hospital stay will be explained beforehand. The anesthesiologist will want to make sure that your child is in the best possible physical condition before surgery. You will be asked important questions about your child's general health, including whether he or she has allergies or asthma, whether there has been any family history of difficulties with anesthesia and what your child's experiences have been with previous anesthetics.