1 Gather information
Ease your own anxiety by finding out why your child needs a procedure, how the procedure may feel and
how long it will last. Share this information with your child in language he or she can understand, if appropriate.

2 Be honest and sensitive
Explain to your child why the procedure is needed and what to expect to feel, see and hear. Be honest with your child about what may hurt and what will not hurt. Try to avoid creating extra concern with too much detail.

3 Encourage curiosity and exploration Through play, help your child become familiar with the health care facility and the equipment that will be used.

4 Reassure your child
Reassure your child that hospitalization is not a punishment. Let your child know when you will and will not be with him or her.

5 Use soft language
When describing a medical procedure, try to avoid words that have double meanings or are threatening. For example: use INJECTION instead of shot, use BED ON WHEELS instead of stretcher, and use NUMB or MAKE SLEEPY instead of deaden.

6 Listen to your child's concerns
Give your child opportunities to express his or her emotions and ask questions. Let your child know it is okay to cry.

7 Give your child realistic choices
Providing your child with opportunities to take a more active role in a procedure can reduce the anxiety and pain related to procedures. For example, let your child decide which finger gets a needle prick or whether to sit on the examining table or a parent's lap for an injection.

8 Help your child manage pain
Coping strategies may help your child reduce anxiety and pain. For example, teach your child deep, steady breathing; let your child squeeze your hand and say, "Ouch!" or "That hurts!" Distract your child with pleasant activities such as books, songs, bubbles, video games or music; ask your child's doctor whether a topical medication such as Emla can be used to numb the skin and lessen the pain of needlesticks.

9 Comfort your child
If your child is young, hold and rock him or her. For older children, speaking or singing softly and stroking or holding your child's hand also provide comfort. A favorite toy or blanket from home may help your child feel secure.

10 When appropriate, encourage play
Providing opportunities for play may help your child express his or her feelings and concerns. Providing play also helps distract your child and normalizes the environment.