A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. The tonsils are two clumps of tissue found in the back of the throat that help to ward off germs and fight infections. If your child gets tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils, often, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy--the removal of the tonsils. According to MayoClinic.com, other reasons for a tonsillectomy include breathing problems related to enlarged tonsils, or rare diseases of the tonsils. The initial thought of surgery will likely scare your child, but you can soothe his fears while preparing him for the tonsillectomy. This can make the surgery and recovery easier for everyone.
Step 1
Explain to the child why his doctor has recommended that he have a tonsillectomy. Tell him that once his tonsils are gone, he will no longer have to suffer with the pain and discomfort that his tonsils cause him.
Step 2
Talk to your child about the exact procedure that will be performed. KidsHealth.org states that the procedure only lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Comfort your child with the fact that it is a short surgery and that she will sleep through it. Remind her that she will be able to come home with you a few hours after her surgery is completed. If possible, take your child for a tour of the hospital prior to the tonsillectomy, so that on the day of the surgery, she is familiar with the hospital.
Step 3
Pack a comfort item for your child to take with him to the hospital. Let him know that he can have the comfort item before he goes into surgery and after he comes out to the recovery room. A familiar blanket or stuffed toy will give him something to hold when he feels scared, and something to look forward to seeing again when he leaves it with you when he goes into surgery.
Step 4
Take a special trip to the grocery store with your child to pick out the soft foods she will eat after surgery. Let her choose her favorites, so that she can look forward to eating them. Disregard the sugar content in her favorite ice cream and other treats for this special occasion.
Things You'll Need
- Comfort item or toy
- Soft foods
