How much advance notice would you give a child who needs tooth removed? So they can prepare themselves

[Uyhmo]

My child is 12. He knows he need teeth removed for orthodontics purpose. I had to book appointment for it. And now wondering if I should tell Him a few days in advance? Day before? On the morning of the appointment? What does everyone think is best?

I had 7 pulled out from 12-14. I was terrified about needles but my mum still involved me from making the appointments because of my age...

You could ask him what he'd prefer? At 12 I would say he's old enough for you to say 'when the appointment comes for your teeth to come out, would you rather I told you straight away, or nearer the time so you don't have as long to think about it?'. Then be guided by him.

Not totally the same situation, but my daughter has had multiple surgeries of various types and in general we tell her about a week before. It works for us.

Actually at the moment maybe it's longer than a week given we have to isolate before going in - but again, not an issue for you.

The exception is when it means other big changes - for instance at Easter we had to cancel a holiday because a much-awaited date finally came through. We told her about that straight away as we didn't want her to be looking forward to a holiday which didn't happen.