Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Hematology and Oncology

Supporting your own well-being can help you better support your child during their hospital experience.

• A calm approach and clear, honest communication can help support your child’s understanding and comfort.
• Pack snacks for yourself, chargers for electronic devices, medications and toiletries, and things to occupy your time.
• Pack familiar and favorite items to help your child feel safe and comfortable.
• Maintain routines as much as possible while you’re in the hospital.

Preparing your 2 to 3 year-old

• Use Simple Words. Explain, “You are going to have a sleepover at the hospital.”
• Support. Reassure your child that they haven’t done anything wrong.
• Comfort. Pack familiar items to make the hospital feel safe and comfortable.
• Prepare yourself. Toddlers may cry or get frustrated. Comfort them, acknowledge their feelings, and set limits.

Preparing your 4 to 9 year-old

• Explain. “The doctor will help you feel better.” Answer your child’s questions honestly.
• Express feelings. Encourage hospital play, such as pretending to be a doctor, to allow your child to express their feelings and fears.
• Comfort. Bring items and activities that will provide a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Preparing your 10+ year-old

• Encourage questions. Let your teen speak with the healthcare team if they have questions or want more information.
• Promote independence. Teens may struggle with a mix of independence and dependence. Respect their need for space while offering support.
• Connection. Don’t forget to pack devices! Encourage your child to stay in touch with friends.
• Be patient. Prepare for the possibility of some emotional changes. Address these changes with patience and understanding.

A port is a small device placed under your skin that is used to remove a little blood and help your body get medicine. When it’s time to get your port accessed, your nurse will place a needle into your port and connect it to an IV pole.

Preparing your child for their port access can help reduce anxiety. This guide will explain what to expect and provide tips for supporting your child during their port access.

Before the procedure

You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming appointment.

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the visit.

“Your doctor is going to access your port to give you medicine. While this happens, do you want to read a book or watch a show?”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the visit.

“The nurse is going to access your port. You may feel a pinch and pressure. While this happens, do you want to take deep breaths, or listen to a relaxing story?”

10+ years old

Talk with your child days before getting their port accessed.

“The nurse is going to access your port using a small needle. You may feel a quick pinch and pressure. What do you want to bring to the appointment? Do you have any questions?”

Explain the port access in three easy steps

• Show your nurse your port and put on your mask. Your nurse cleans your skin and waits for it to dry.
• Hold still while your nurse accesses your port. Your nurse will flush your port and cover it with a dressing.
• Your nurse will draw your blood then connect your line to your IV pole.

Ask about comfort options

Talk to your medical team about the best plan of care for your child. A few options are numbing cream, numbing spray, or an ice pack.

During the procedure

Kids benefit from having choices. Here are some of our favorite ways to help kids during their port access:

• Sit next to you or sit on your lap
• Watch or look away
• Hold your hand or squeeze a stuffed animal
• Look at a picture book or listen to a song
• Take deep breaths or count to 10

Create a safe and comforting experience

Your presence provides comfort to your child. Talk to the medical team about how you can work together to create a positive experience.

Be calm and supportive

• Children often look to their caregivers during times of stress.
• Be truthful about the sensations they may experience: “You may feel a pinch and pressure.”
• Crying is a normal reaction. Try redirecting your child’s attention: “It’s ok to cry. Let’s take a deep breath together.”
• Reassure your child: “I know you’re scared. I’m here and you’re safe.”

After the procedure

Acknowledge your child’s bravery and discuss one specific behavior they demonstrated well. Ask your child how they feel the procedure went

A central line is a long, thin tube that carries medicine, fluids, and nutrients to your body. It is important to keep this tube clean and dry by changing the bandage or “dressing” that covers the line.

In this guide, you’ll find helpful information about your child’s central line dressing change. It covers what to expect, how to prepare, and tips for supporting your child.

Before the procedure

You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming appointment along with age-appropriate language.

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the procedure.

“The doctor is going to change your bandage today to keep it clean.”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the procedure.

“The doctor will give you a new, clean bandage. Do you have any questions for me or the doctor?”

10+ years old

Days before, speak with your child about their central line dressing change.

“It’s almost time for your dressing change. Is there anything you want to do to prepare?”

Explain the central line dressing change in three easy steps

1. Your nurse uses adhesive remover and carefully removes your dressing.
2. Your nurse cleans your skin and waits for it to dry.
3. Your nurse covers your line with a new dressing.

Bring the essentials

• Comfortable, loose-fitting shirt with easy access to your child’s arm or chest.
• Activities to distract your child.
• Favorite comfort item (e.g., stuffed animal or blanket).

During the procedure

Kids benefit from having choices. Here are some of our favorite ways to help kids during their central line dressing change:

• Sit next to you or sit on your lap
• Listen to music or read a book
• Watch a movie or TV show
• Take deep breaths or squeeze a stuffed animal

Be calm and supportive

• Children often look to their caregivers during times of stress.
• Be truthful about the sensations they may experience: “Your bandage is very sticky but the nurse will use a special solution to make it easier to remove.”
• Crying is a normal reaction. Redirect your child’s attention: “Do you want to watch your favorite tv show? Do you want to squeeze my hand? Let’s take a deep breath together.”

After the procedure

Acknowledge your child’s bravery and discuss one specific behavior they demonstrated well. Ask your child how they feel the procedure went

An IV is a small, soft tube placed inside a vein in your hand or arm. It can also be called an “intravenous line.” An IV will help your body get medicine and fluids.

Preparing your child ahead of time for their IV placement can reduce anxiety and help them feel more at ease. We’ll share what to expect, tips for best supporting your child, and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Before the procedure

You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming appointment.

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the visit.

“Your nurse is going to put a small tube in your arm or hand today. While this is happening, do you want to read a book or watch a show?”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the visit.

“Your nurse is going to place a small tube inside a vein in your arm or hand. You may feel a quick pinch. During your IV placement, do you want to watch or look away?”

10+ years old

Days before, talk to your child about getting an IV.

“Your nurse is going to place an IV, or a small tube, inside a vein in your hand or arm. You may feel a quick pinch. What do you want to bring to the appointment? Do you have any questions?”

Explain an IV placement in three easy steps

1. Your nurse places a needle in your arm. It may feel like a poke.
2. The nurse gently takes the needle out. A little straw remains in your vein.
3. Hold still while your nurse flushes your IV with water and covers it with a bandage.

Ask about comfort options

Talk to your medical team about the best plan of care for your child. A few options include numbing cream, numbing spray, a numbing patch, or an ice pack.

During the procedure

Kids benefit from having choices. Here are some of our favorite ways to help kids during their IV placement:

• Sit next to you or sit on your lap
• Watch or look away
• Hold your hand or squeeze a stuffed animal
• Take deep breaths or count down from 100

Create a safe and comforting experience

Your presence provides comfort to your child. Talk to the medical team about how you can work together to create a positive experience.

Be calm and supportive

• Children often look to their caregivers during times of stress.
• Be truthful about the sensations they may experience: “You will feel a poke and pressure.”
• Crying is a normal reaction. Try redirecting your child’s attention: “It’s ok to cry. Let’s take a deep breath together.”
• Help your child get accustomed to the IV: “While the IV is in your body, you can still do the things you like such as drawing, reading, or playing games.”

After the procedure

Acknowledge your child’s bravery and discuss one specific behavior they demonstrated well. Ask your child how they feel the procedure went

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is taken from around the spine. Preparing your child ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. This guide will explain what to expect, provide tips for keeping your child comfortable, and offer ways to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Before the procedure

You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss an upcoming procedure.

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the visit.

“Your doctor is going to touch your lower back and you’ll feel a poke and pressure. While this happens it’s important to stay still. Would you like to watch a movie?”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the visit.

“The doctor is going to insert a small needle into your lower back to collect fluid. You may feel a pinch and some pressure. Do you want to watch a movie or listen to a story that helps you relax?”

10+ years old

Days before, talk to your child getting a lumbar puncture.

“The doctor is going to insert a small needle into your lower back to collect some fluid. You may feel a pinch and some pressure. Do you want to download a new TV series or guided meditation?”

Explain a lumbar puncture in three easy steps

1. Lie down on your side and curl up into a ball or sit on the edge of the bed and lean over your knees. Your doctor cleans your back with special soap.
2. Your doctor applies pressure to your back. You may feel a poke and a little sting. Your doctor covers your back with sterile towels.
3. Hold still while you feel some pressure in your back. Your doctor will remove the towels and apply a bandage. Once the procedure is finished, lie flat on your back.

Ask about comfort options

Talk to your medical team about the best plan of care for your child. A few options are numbing cream, a numbing patch, or an ice pack.

During the procedure

Kids benefit from having choices. Here are some of the options you can ask about to help your child during their lumbar puncture:

• Hold your hand or squeeze a stuffed animal
• Listen to a song or look at a picture book
• Take deep breaths or listen to a guided meditation

Create a safe and comforting experience

Your presence provides comfort to your child. Talk to the medical team about how you can work together to create a positive experience. Below are some effective comfort and distraction measures to consider:

Medical equipment

It may be helpful to tell your child that only some of the medical equipment they see will be used.

Deep breaths

Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths. Remind your child that their most important job is to stay still.

Be calm and supportive

• Children often look to their caregivers during times of stress.
• Be truthful about the sensations they may experience: “You might feel a lot of pressure.”
• Crying is a normal reaction. Try redirecting your child’s attention: “It’s ok to cry. Let’s take a deep breath together.”

After the procedure

Acknowledge your child’s bravery and discuss one specific behavior they demonstrated well. Ask your child how they feel the procedure went.