School-age (6 — 11 years)
School-aged children relate well with their peers, like to compete, and are more critical of themselves than younger children. They are able to reason, develop cause and effect concepts, and think logically. School-age children can classify and organize facts, and have an increased awareness of their own body function.
School-age children commonly fear body mutilation, loss of body function, loss of control, pain, and death. These fears can be increased during a hospital or healthcare experience. The following strategies can help parents and caregivers during their school-aged child's healthcare experience.
Review our growth and development information for more about your child's development by age.
Play and recreation
- Bringing familiar toys and objects such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, dolls, movies, music and clothes
- Listening to favorite music
- Watching favorite movies or cartoons
- Playing board games
- Playing card games
- Playing video games
- Reading
- Putting together puzzles
- Doing arts and crafts
- Cooking
- Participating in group activities with peers
- Sculpting with play dough and clay
- Keeping journals and scrapbooks
Medical play
- Making sculptures from medical equipment
- Using medical materials to make collages
- Using syringes in water play
- Making art with tongue depressors
- Playing with doctor kits, real medical equipment and dolls
- Reading books about healthcare experiences
Preparation
- Preparing your school-age child one to two weeks ahead of time
- Letting your child know that you will answer any of his or her questions
- Talking about your child's fears and questions openly and honestly
- Helping your child understand exactly why he or she needs a certain procedure or to be hospitalized
- Allowing your child to pack his own suitcase
Coping techniques
- Picking a favorite place or thing to talk about such as a TV show or cartoon character
- Playing music
- Squeezing a ball
- Using a magic wand
- Breathing with slow deep breaths
- Reading pop-up and sound books
-
Playing with noise-making items
Contact Us
- 215-590-2001
