Advocate for your child

by Verena del Valle

Advocate for your child

by Verena del Valle

Regardless of our personal medical experience, as parents, it is normal to feel like we are in unfamiliar territory when we accompany our child to the hospital or pediatrician’s office.

“Make a list of any questions you have for the medical staff.”

That is why we advise you to make a list of all the questions you may have in order not to forget anything when you consult with the medical staff. If you are clear about everything that is being done for your child, he or she will sense it immediately and it will have a beneficial effect on everyone.

One strategy that can help your child feel in control of the situation is to suggest options when there are options. For example, before a blood test, we can ask him if he wants to wear his T-shirt that gives him superpowers that day, or bring his favorite stuffed animal. We can even propose if he wants to watch what the nurse is doing during the analysis or if he prefers, as most children usually choose, to look at the tablet or his favorite story…

“Tell the nurse if your child is curious to see what she is going to do to them, as it may help them feel in control of the situation.”

It may be that the nurse automatically suggests to the child not to look at the time of the analysis, but if your child needs to look to be in control of the situation, do not hesitate to let the nurse know.

In any case, being able to preview how a test is done (through a Virtual Reality experience, for example) is of great added value for the child, who becomes familiar with the steps and will be more easily occupied with the proposed distraction or, if he chooses to watch while the test is being done, he will not be surprised.

If you want to discover other ways to advocate for your daughter or son, check out the #NixiMeets with Megan Graham, a ChildLife Specialist from the United States who tells us multiple ways to advocate for our children and how this helps both them and us!

To sum up:

  • It is normal to feel uncomfortable when faced with a situation we have not experienced before.
  • Make a list of all the questions that come to you the days before the doctor’s visit.
  • Give options to your child whenever there are any (where to look, if he/she wants a story or a tablet…).
  • Preview the experience of the procedure so that your child can become familiar with the upcoming medical event.

Certified Child Life Psychologist

Mom but also certified Child Life specialist. Verena is a trained professional with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization.

Verena del Valle

Certified Child Life Psychologist

Mom but also certified Child Life specialist. Verena is a trained professional with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization.