The most key role of a parent or guardian during the test is to help your child stay calm and relaxed. The best way to help your child stay calm is for you to stay calm. Parents and guardians play an important role in the success of any radiologic test. Children are less anxious and more cooperative when they are prepared ahead of time for what they are going to experience.
- Bring a “comfort” item, such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier.
- Comfort your child with your soft voice and gentle touch.
Toddlers and Preschool-Age Children
Children in this age range can be very anxious about having a test done. If your child is in this age group, the best time to explain the test is right before he or she has it done. Please use any of the test information sheets that are applicable and available either on the Department of Pediatric Radiology website or in the waiting area. The following also may be helpful for children in this age group:
- Use simple words and be honest when telling your child what he or she will see, hear and feel.
- Offer your child reassurance in a soft voice during the test.
- Hold your child’s hand during the test as much as possible.
School-Age Children
Children in this age range have very good imaginations and may frighten themselves by imagining something much worse than the actual test. If your child is in this age group, the best time to explain the test is 1 or 2 days ahead of time. Please use the test information sheets that are applicable and available on the Department of Pediatric Radiology website. The following also may be helpful for children in this age group:
- Give your child enough information about what he or she will see, hear and feel in language that your child can understand. Too many details may confuse your child even more.
- Let your child ask you questions about the test and answer them honestly.
- Hold your child’s hand during the test as much as possible.
- Offer your child reassurance in a soft voice during the test.
Adolescents
Children in this age range are very concerned with their bodies and appearance and now can think in abstract ways. If your child is in this age group, the best time to explain the test is up to a week ahead of time. Please use the test information sheets that are applicable and available on the Department of Pediatric Radiology website. The following also may be helpful for children in this age group:
- Allow your child to read any information you may have on the test.
- Let your child ask you questions about the test and answer them honestly.
- Hold your child’s hand during the test as much as possible.
- Offer your child reassurance in a soft voice during the test.