Preparing child for tonsil op

[ottermadness]

I’m hoping for genius tips to prepare my 4year old for having her tonsils out? We’ve been talking about hospitals, going to sleep, waking up feeling a bit poorly and lots of cuddles etc. But has anyone who has been through this got any great tips for anything else?

My 3 year old has just had hers done. We started to gently prepare her about 4 days before the op.

Google "Rees bear has an operation" it's a story that is aimed for 3-6 year olds and covers everything that might happen.

Get well soon on bbc iPlayer have an episode about operations.

Bring lots of things to keep you both entertained - because of COVID the hospital can't have playrooms open.

The first week of recovery was rough but the difference in my child is incredible, so glad it's done.

Also we did lots and lots of playing hospitals and doctors. Pretending to put on the magic cream, checking each other's temperatures... really helped her

I told my DC that going into hospital was a good thing because the great doctors sort out the problem. I then said it’s like a mini birthday as you get gifts and treats. We wrapped up gifts and showed a box on the way in the taxi. The GA was horrible but the first thing my Dc said in recovery was where are the gifts! Took attention off the difficult day. Good luck

Some children’s hospitals have great videos you can find online to watch. We normally go to Evalina and they have this video - m.youtube.com/watch?v=RJqoIW3qjxs
It’s a fun video and may be helpful anyway?
Definitely bring toys and food and drink for both of you (we haven’t done a tonsils op so I don’t know what children feel like after that - GA made both of mine absolutely ravenous, well, they hadn’t eaten for hours! But I guess you have to be careful not to make the throat sore after tonsillectomy?).
You may be lucky and even though no playroom, depending on the hospital there might be a play specialist who can bring you some single use only stuff (we got some colouring sheets one time recently).
Age 4 - it might be the magic cream straight away or it might be sedation via a mask before they put the line in. I suppose best to prepare for both unless you know which you’ll have?