Preparing your child for a medical test

[Naveed Yaseen]

Medical procedures and tests can be frightening for both parents and children, so it’s important that you’re both prepared and calm.

The US National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

Today’s Health Tips

* Give your child a detailed, simple and clear explanation of what is going to happen.

* Be specific about which part of the body will be affected, and how it might feel.

* Allow your child to react — even if it includes anger, screaming or crying — but encourage communication about what he or she is feeling.

* Have your child practice the position that will be required — such as lying down, stretching out an arm, or curling up on one side.

* Talk about why the test or procedure is necessary and how it will help your child.

* Let your child make decisions whenever possible, such as the colour of the bandage that may be applied.

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