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When Your Child is in Pain
No matter what age your child is, when he or she feels pain, you hurt too. As a parent, you know your child best and are most familiar with any changes, or signs of discomfort and pain. It is important that you give this information to your child’s medical team, and make them aware of the changes you have noticed, as well as subtle differences that you can’t quite put your finger on. This information will help ensure that your child gets the pain relief he or she needs and deserves.
- When your child is in pain, try to distract him or her from the discomfort. One way is to help your child imagine a peaceful or special place using his or her senses such as sight, sound, and touch to relax.
- Use stories and books to distract and redirect your child’s thoughts. Let him or her choose one from home or bring several if he or she is hospitalized.
- Allow him or her to have a comfort object, such as a bear, doll, animal or headset with music while getting tests, procedures, etc.
- Play tapes or CD’s with relaxing sounds of nature or music-nature combinations.
- Comfort your child with gentle massage, or hold his or her hand quietly.
- Maintain a positive outlook for your child and offer encouragement no matter how you are feeling.
- Give other caregivers information about what they can do to make your child comfortable when you are not there.
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end-of-life topics.
