You know your child best. We're here to help you prepare them.
Surgery is stressful for the whole family, not just the patient. Here's how to use our Pocket Learning Playbooks at home, what to generally expect on the day of, and trusted places to learn more about recovery.
Let your child explore on their own
Our For Kids games help kids get familiar with common hospital sounds and equipment before a visit — every sound is gentle, nothing plays without a tap, and there's nothing to buy, no ads, and no data collected.
Visit the For Kids pageHow to prepare your child
A few things child-life specialists and parents consistently say help, no matter the procedure.
Use simple, honest words
Avoid euphemisms like "put to sleep." Kids do better with plain, accurate language they can trust — even when it's a little scary.
Color the Pocket Learning Playbook together
Reading and coloring the pages side by side gives your child a script and vocabulary for what's about to happen.
Let them ask again and again
Repeating the same question is normal for kids processing something big. Answer patiently, as many times as they need.
Pack a comfort item
A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy can make an unfamiliar hospital room feel a little more like home.
Ask for a child-life specialist
Many children's hospitals have specialists trained specifically to help kids — and parents — through medical procedures.
Take care of yourself too
Kids pick up on parent anxiety. It's okay to feel nervous — try to process the big feelings away from your child when you can.
What to expect, from surgery day to recovery
Every hospital runs a little differently, but most surgery days — and the days after — follow a similar shape. Tap a step to see the checklist.
Before Pre-op prep
Follow any fasting or eating instructions exactly as given.
Pack a comfort item and bring the Pocket Learning Playbook along.
Confirm arrival time, location, and parking ahead of time.
Write down any last questions so you don't forget them on the day.
During Surgery time
Ask your care team how — and how often — they'll update you.
Find the family waiting area before you need it.
Keep your phone charged and close by.
Bring something to occupy yourself — the wait can feel long.
After Recovery at home
Follow medication instructions exactly as prescribed — even if your child says they feel fine.
Expect some crankiness. Anesthesia and post-op pain can make kids more emotional than usual for a few days.
Keep every follow-up appointment, even if recovery seems to be going smoothly.
When in doubt, call. Your care team would always rather hear from you than have you guess.
Every child and every procedure is different. Specific recovery timelines, warning signs, and activity restrictions should always come from your child's own surgical team and discharge paperwork — not a general guide like this one.
Trusted places to learn more
For procedure-specific recovery times and instructions, these are good starting points — alongside your own care team.
HealthyChildren.org
Pediatrician-reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including preparing kids for medical procedures.
Visit site →KidsHealth (Nemours)
Family-friendly explanations of common childhood surgeries, recovery, and how to talk to kids about medical care.
Visit site →Association of Child Life Professionals
Learn what a certified child life specialist does and how to find one who can support your family in person.
Visit site →These external resources are provided for general education — Prepare Little Patients isn't affiliated with them. Your child's own surgeon, pediatrician, or hospital care team is always the best source for anything specific to your child's procedure.
The things families ask us most.
Still have a question? Email us and we'll be happy to help.
How much do the Pocket Learning Playbooks cost?
They're completely free — and always will be. Prepare Little Patients is a nonprofit, so there's no cost for families or for hospitals. Ever.
Can I download the whole playbook, or just a sample?
Right now, you can download and print sample pages from each playbook on our Pocket Learning Playbooks page. The complete playbooks are on the way — we're adding more every season, so check back or reach out if there's one you need soon.
Are the Pocket Learning Playbooks medically accurate?
Yes. Each Pocket Learning Playbook is reviewed by medical professionals before we share it, so the explanations are accurate as well as kid-friendly. That said, the playbooks are a companion to — never a substitute for — the guidance of your child's own care team.
What age are the Pocket Learning Playbooks designed for?
They're written with roughly ages 4 to 12 in mind. But you know your child best — reading and coloring the playbook together lets you adjust the pace and detail to whatever feels right for them.
How should I use the playbook with my child?
Color it together before the procedure, let your child ask questions as many times as they need, and feel free to bring it along to appointments. Our tips above walk through what tends to help most.