Never Say To A Child: “The Doctor Will Put You To Sleep”
When Preparing Your Child For Surgery, How You Act And What You Say Can Affect How Much Anxiety Your Child Feels, Says The American Society Of Anesthesiologists
Special ‘Doctor’s Day’ Observance Video
CHICAGO, IL -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 03/28/2002 -- When a child undergoes surgery, some physicians say, there are two patients: the child and the worried parents. And sometimes, with the best intentions, parents can make things worse.
For instance, says pediatric anesthesiologist Dr.
Carolyn Bannister, in their attempts to reassure their child, parents may tell them that “the doctor will put you to sleep,” not realizing that this could scare their child if they have ever had a pet put to sleep.
For this year’s annual Doctor’s Day observance, March 30, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) focuses on pediatric anesthesia with a set of recommendations to help parents be more relaxed, and thus be able to effectively reassure the child.
“If the parent is relaxed and the child is relaxed, the physician’s job is much easier as well and everything goes much more smoothly,” comments Dr. Barry Glazer, president of the ASA. “The child is less anxious about being separated from their parents. So it’s just a smoother process from start to finish.”
Important recommendations from the ASA include:
- Learn all you can about the surgery and anesthesia, and what to do for your child. Write down your questions in advance.
- Be honest with your child and tell your child what to expect at the hospital and following surgery
- Even if you don’t feel calm, project a calm attitude around your child
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