Preparing Brothers and Sisters

Your child's operation can also be scary and cause tension for siblings or your child's close friends. Try to include them in conversations about your child’s operation so they feel confident too.

• Talk about the operation using nonthreatening words they understand.

• Be sure to include brothers and sisters in planning homecoming activities.

• Ask a friend or family member to care for siblings on the day of surgery; you will want to focus on the child having the operation.

• If brothers and sisters must come with you to the hospital on the day of surgery, bring another adult with you to help. Children's Hospital Colorado Creative Play Center offers free childcare for siblings of our patients up to age eight. Children are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Call (720) 777-1234 for more information. PLEASE NOTE: Siblings who are sick should stay at home. They cannot be permitted in any pre-surgical area or the hospital in general. Germs are easily spread and can be harmful to patients having operations.