Medical appointments and hospital visits can be stressful for children and caregivers. Plan ahead and create a calm, informed environment to make a significant difference.

Prepare for medical appointments

Appointments can feel overwhelming for children, especially when they involve unfamiliar procedures or environments. Children often feel anxious about the unknown. Here are some ways to reduce anxiety and help your child feel more comfortable: 

  • Explain in advance. Describe what will happen using age-appropriate language. For younger children, use simple explanations like, “The doctor will check how your heart is working.” For older children, describe the tests and procedures. 
  • Use the “days rule.” Tell your child about upcoming appointments based on their age. A 5-year-old might do best with five days’ notice; a 12-year-old, 12 days. 
  • Bring comfort items. Allow your child to take a favorite toy, blanket, or book to the appointment. 
  • Practice or role-play: Use dolls or drawings to demonstrate what will happen at the visit. This can help make the process less scary. 

Talk with the care team 

Encourage your child to speak directly with doctors or nurses when ready. Gradually guide teens to manage parts of their care. Let your child hear you ask questions and express feelings openly — this models self-advocacy. 

If something is unclear, ask your care team to explain again. Pediatric specialists and child life professionals are usually skilled at breaking down complex information. 

Questions for your care team

When do you call your doctor or nurse and what questions do you ask? You’ll also want to flag the symptoms and issues to address immediately if they arise. 

Your Care Team

During the appointment 

  • Stay present. Your calm presence is reassuring. If possible, sit next to your child and explain what’s happening. 
  • Distraction helps. Songs, stories or favorite videos can ease nerves during exams or procedures. 
  • Reward positive behavior. Consider a small reward afterward to reinforce bravery and cooperation, such as ice cream, a small toy or a movie night. 

Plan ahead for emergencies 

If your child gets a line infection or experiences a medical emergency, you may not have time to prepare your child for hospitalization. Unplanned visits to the hospital can be frightening for parents and children. You can reduce your own stress by having an emergency plan ready and following it when the time comes. 

Emergencies can happen quickly. Being prepared can help reduce stress and improve your response.

Emergency bag checklist:

  • Change of clothes for you and your child.
  • Medication list and doses.
  • Insurance information.
  • Comfort items.
  • Phone charger.
  • Nonperishable snacks.
  • $20 cash for incidentals.
  • Notepad and pen.

Before an emergency happens:

  • Identify the nearest hospital with pediatric specialists.
  • Keep emergency numbers visible or saved in your phone.
  • Have a few family members or friends on standby to watch other children or pets if needed.

Reduce stress for your child 

Stay involved. Remain with your child when possible. Sometimes children are embarrassed to ask nurses for help. Stay at your child’s side whenever possible and work with the doctor and nurse to explain what’s happening. Take part in care routines like bathing or comforting. 

Clarify roles: Ask who’s in charge of your child’s case, and how often they will share updates. Explain that nurses spend time every day with other kids who have conditions like PH. 

Keep your child informed. Explain procedures simply and answer questions honestly. 

Encourage questions. Let your child know it’s okay to speak up if something feels wrong or scary. 

Support emotional well-being 

Hospital settings can be intimidating. Monitor your child’s mood and expressions. Let them share their fears or frustrations. If needed, ask to speak with a hospital counselor or child life specialist. 

Focus on what’s going well and celebrate small victories with a small gift like ice cream or a toy. Even a successful blood draw can be a big win. Stay hopeful and connected to  remind your child that you’re a team. 

Ways to reduce appointment stress 

  • Create a calendar to visually count down days to an appointment. 
  • Let your child help pack their “appointment bag.” 
  • Bring headphones and a playlist of favorite songs or a favorite storybook. 
  • Acknowledge bravery with praise and comfort afterward. 

By turning routine visits and emergency planning into manageable, predictable experiences, you help your child build confidence and resilience in facing PH head-on. Consistency, communication and compassion go a long way. 

Pediatric PH

Your medical team can help you determine the right treatment for your child. Learn more about pediatric treatment options. 

Pediatric PH