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1. Create a calm room
Walking into the ER can be sensory overload. After clinical staff leave your room, dim down the lights and close the curtain and the door to your room. Ask the nurse to turn off any alarms or sensors that are causing unnecessary noise. Your child will feel more relaxed in a quiet, dim room. Changing the look of the room will also give you a small sense of control.
2. Focus on bonding
Going to the ER can be an important time for you to bond with your child. You might not realize it, but your child sees you as a strong adult in these moments. Your physical presence is important to your child’s sense of relaxation. While waiting in the ER, sit on your child’s bed with them. Pair light-hearted conversation or calm activities with affectionate physical touch. Your child will sense that you are listening to their needs and feel relaxed.
3. Tell stories
Remember that time you went to the ER as a kid for a broken arm or the time you found out you were allergic to peanuts? Tell your child how you felt, before, during and after the hospital visit. Make sure you keep it light and positive and focus on how you had to be brave and strong. Exaggerate the funny parts like “you should have seen the look on your Grandma’s face!” Your child will learn that it’s a normal part of childhood to deal with an unexpected trip to the ER. Avoid focusing on serious or stressful stories and statements that take away from your child’s unique experience, such as “It’s not that bad, the same thing happened to me.”
4. Accept anxiety
There is no way around it, you’re going to feel anxious in the ER. Everyone does. Having anxiety is a normal response and your body’s natural way of putting you on alert. Fighting anxiety and not accepting it, ironically, creates more anxiety because you are essentially pushing the anxiety away… and when it doesn’t go away, it just creates more anxiety. You can say to yourself and your child “We’re just anxious right now, and that’s okay.” Remind your child that you’re not going to be anxious forever so you can face it head on together.
5. Voice your needs
Even if the ER is busy, it’s important to voice your needs whether it’s asking for a glass of water or calling for immediate attention to your child. Voicing your needs and questions will help you feel educated and empowered. If you don’t see your nurse right away, don’t worry. You can ask any nurse, a unit secretary or a tech for assistance. They will be glad to help. You’re never a bother and staff understand that no need is too small to… so ask away.
6. Ask for a visit from a Child Life Specialist
Many people don’t know that Child Life Specialists work in the ER and their sole purpose is to explain procedures to children in a way that is age appropriate. Child Life Specialists provide fun distractions for your child to help them manage stress and come loaded with tips, tricks and toys to help your child cope.
1 Comment
Its hard to reduce kids anxiety especially if they are afraid and sick. I think these tips are really helpful thanks for sharing!