Do everything you can to reduce your own anxiety. Start by asking lots of questions! Find out as much as you can about what to expect when you bring your child to the doctor/hospital. You may ask about what your child will look like after a procedure (swelling, bandages, etc.). Take notes so you will remember what you are told and write down any questions you might have.

It is helpful to have your child become familiar with healthcare experiences through toys and books with medical themes. This process should start as soon as possible at a pace comfortable for you and your child.

Children learn best through play. Use play, such as role playing, as an opportunity to informally talk to your child about some of the things you have read about.

It is best to talk to your preschool child about their specific hospitalization/procedure no more than 2-3 days prior to the event.

Ask your child what he thinks a hospital is and what he thinks is going to happen there. This is a great way to learn about your child's misconceptions. Don't assume that because your child uses medical words he understands what they mean. Children often repeat what they hear adults say. Keep explanations very simple and related to what your child will experience directly.

Try not to have conversations about your child's care in her presence unless you are including her in the conversation. Children overhear much more than adults think and without any explanation the information may seem terribly frightening.

Stay overnight with your child if you can. If appropriate, let other family members, including brothers and sisters, come and visit. When your child is going to a procedure ask if you can be there. If this is not possible stay with your child as long as you can. Give comfort by talking, singing, reading or doing any of the things that you know are usually soothing.

Bring familiar objects from home such as a picture, stuffed animal, blanket, music box or toy. Use these items to help comfort your child before, during and after the procedure.

Reassure your child that the hospitalization is not a punishment. Try to avoid using good/bad labels, particularly during a procedure. For example, instead of saying, "See, you were so good, the doctor only had to do this once," you can say, "You did such a good job of sitting still, I know that was hard."

If your child wants, allow him/her to handle some medical equipment such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, etc. Allow him/her to practice the procedure on a doll.

If you need to leave your child for a moment or several hours, let him/her know that you are going. Be sure to tell your child who will be taking care of him/her while you are gone and when you expect to return.