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Life Stages: Toddlerhood
Children at this age are testing their environment
for what they can do and testing their parents for what they are allowed
to do. Children are not able to fully understand why they need to come
to the hospital and why things that are uncomfortable are being done to
them (needle sticks, exams). You may find increased resistance to invasive
procedures such as blood draws or transfusions. If your child is on chronic
transfusions, you may begin using Desferal at home during this time. It
can be very difficult to stick your own child, both physically and emotionally.
If your child attends day care, you will need to think about what types
of information you feel comfortable sharing about your child’s disease.
What you can do:
- Medical play can assist your child to master medical
procedures. Have a child life specialist or psychosocial provider at
your hospital work with your child around medical play. It can also
be helpful to have a toy medical bag at home.
- During procedures or IV’s, help your child
manage the stress by distracting them with books, songs or toys.
- Speak with your health care providers about what
you should share with day care centers, baby sitters, etc.
- Continue to expect age appropriate behavior from
your child and don’t be afraid to set limits.
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