Surgery for anyone is scary. Surgery for a child can be terrifying. Luckily, HealthDay News recently published tips provided by the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for parents who are preparing their children for an upcoming surgery. According to the hospital, the following suggestions can ease the process and calm some fears-for both the child and parent-as they prepare for a procedure.

• Find out as much as you can about the surgery, so you can answer the child’s questions and reply with the right information.
• Be honest when answering questions, but make sure your responses are appropriate for the child’s age.
• Read books with your child about preparing for a trip to the hospital.
• Take a tour of the hospital, including areas where the child will be.
• If your child is old enough and mature enough to make a choice, let the child make it.