Parent and childSurvivorsProfessionals
International patientsAbout usContact and routeVacanciesDonate now
Patient portal

Helping and preparing your child

During treatment, your child will have various tests and procedures. A child life specialist from the Máxima Center will prepare your child the first time and accompany you to the test or procedure. They are there not only for your child, but for you as parents as well. During the preparation, your child will receive a card with an explanation, which can be kept in their own folder. You can use this card to help your child prepare at home if the same test or procedure needs to be done again, or to explain to brothers and sisters what has happened.

The following tips may help you to help and prepare your child. Bear in mind: You know your child best and know what suits your child best.

When do you prepare your child?

  • Choose a quiet time to prepare your child.

  • Give your child plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

  • Take your child's wishes and sense of time into account. Some children like to be prepared shortly beforehand, others need more time to process things.

  • If you have other children, tell them what's going to be done. That's how you keep them engaged.

  • Never prepare your child just before their bedtime.

What do you tell your child and how?

  • Ask your child what they already know about the examination or operation.

  • Explain things as simply as possible and choose words that your child understands.

  • Do not give a young child all the information at once.

  • Be honest and to the point, but don't emphasize nasty things like injections and pain.

  • Only talk about what your child is aware of.

  • See if your child understands the information.

  • Have your child repeat the information. That way you know whether your child has understood everything correctly.

  • Ask what your child thinks and how they feel about the examination or operation.

  • Consider together what can be of help: a (read-aloud) book, a cuddly toy or favorite toy, holding your hand or singing a song.

How can you help your child?

  • Accompany your child on the way to the examination or surgery; that will give your child support and a sense of safety.

  • If you are not in a position to accompany your child, make sure someone else who your child trusts goes along.

  • The procedure is explained during the course of the examination or the operation. You and your child can always ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

  • Try to stay as calm as possible during the examination or operation. That will also help to keep your child calm.

  • Try to focus your attention on your child.

  • If your child does not respond as expected, take it seriously.

  • Being there for your child makes them feel supported and understood.

  • Afterward, give your child space to express their emotions, but also tell them how well they did.

In need for help or advice? Feel free to contact medischpedagogischezorg@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl.

Good to know

If you are referred to one of the shared care hospitals, be aware that examinations or operations there can be performed slightly differently than what you are used to in the Máxima Center.