Talking to Your Child – Medical Expressions

Words have different meanings and can be confusing to a young child. It is likely that your child will hear standard medical expressions but not understand the meaning. Consider using child-friendly explanations when communicating with your child about their medical care. To ensure they are not misunderstood and that your child isn’t confused, here is some suggested language. Ideally, children should be asked if they know what the doctors or nurses mean when they say these words.

 

Medical expression: “The doctor will give you some ‘dye’.”
Your child may hear: “This is going to make me die?”
Suggested language: “The doctor will put medicine in the tube to be able to see your _____ more clearly.


Medical expression: “Shot”
Your child may hear: “Are they mad at me? When people get shot, they are badly hurt. Are they trying to hurt me?”
Suggested language: Instead of “shot,” refer to this as giving medicine through a small, tiny needle.


Medical expression: “CAT scan”
Your child may hear: “Will the be cats? Or something that scratches?”
Suggested language: Describe a CAT scan in simple terms such as “a machine that lets us see the inside of your body,” and explain what the acronym stands for.


Medical expression: “IV”
Your child may hear: “Ivy?”
Suggested language: Explain to your child that an IV is a tiny tube or straw that goes into their vein (hand) that gives their body water or it’s a fast way to give your child medicine.


Medical expression: “We’re going to take a picture.” X-rays, CT and MRI machines are for larger than a familiar camera, move differently and don’t yield a familiar end product.
Your child may feel like this: “I don’t feel like smiling.”
Suggested language: “These are machines that we use to take a picture of the inside of your body.” Describe the appearance, sound and movement of the equipment your child to help address any fears.


Medical expression: “We’re going to put you to sleep.”
Your child may hear: “Like my cat was put to sleep? It never came back.”
Suggested language: Explain that the medicine your child will be given will help them go into a very deep sleep. Explain that they won’t feel anything until the operation is over, and then the doctor will stop giving them the medicine so they can wake up.


Medical expression: “Take your vital signs.”
Child-friendly explanation: “We are going to measure your temperature and see how warm your body is.” Or, “We are going to see how fast and strong your heart is working.”


Medical expression: “Anesthesia”
Child-friendly explanation: Explain to your child that the doctor will give him or her medicine called ‘anesthesia’ and that it will help them sleep during their operation or procedure.


Medical expression: “Say goodbye to your parents.”
Child-friendly explanation: If you hear someone say this to your child, explain to your child that he or she doesn’t have to say goodbye but rather “see you later.” Explain to your child that you will see them in just a little while.


Hard or harsh term: “This will hurt.”
Child-friendly term: “You may feel very sore, achy, scratchy, tight, snug or full, etc.” Use manageable, descriptive terms. Words such as scratch, poke or sting might be familiar for some children and frightening to others.


Hard or harsh term: “The medicine will burn.”
Child-friendly term: “Some children say they feel a very warm feeling.”

Sing Me a Story

David Treadway, AKA Mississippi Dave, is an independent song writer with an eclectic folk/alternative style.

David Treadway

Gabe Sipos is a 13-year-old cancer survivor with a story to tell.

The two were recently “connected” through a nonprofit organization called Sing Me a Story – a network of more than 1,500 songwriters who create songs based on the ideas obtained from stories or illustrations submitted by children from all over the world.

During one of the workshops held at Gilda’s Club Nashville, Gabe had the opportunity to write a story about himself and Chemo Duck.

“I was really scared at the hospital until one day my mom had an idea,” reads Gabe’s story titled ‘And That’s My Life’. “She put a duck plushie in hospital scrubs and put a port on it and she gave it to me. It allowed my fears to go away…”

Gilda’s Club submitted the story to the online group, which in turn distributes them on its website. Volunteer songwriters choose a story and then record and upload a song onto the website.

Since 2011, Sing Me A Story has transformed children’s stories into songs as a fundraiser for almost 50 partnering organizations like Gilda’s and Alive Hospice. Donors are able to go to the website, select a song from the collection, make a contribution and receive a copy of the chosen song.

Each child receives a copy of his or her song as well.

“Sing Me A Story is just a wonderful idea,” said Treadway. “It is a great opportunity for songwriters to use their powers for good. But most of all it’s a chance for kids to use their creativity and express things that matter to them as a way to heal or grow in some way.

Treadway spent a few days brainstorming ideas for Gabe’s song wanting to ensure that it was hopeful and encouraging.

“Gabe and all kids who go through these kinds of battles deserve some serious credit for what they go through,” explains Treadway. “Working with Gabe’s story impacted me because it challenged me as a songwriter to stretch beyond what I’d usually tackle topic-wise.”

David said the project was fun and is looking forward to participating in another story to song venture soon.

Lyrics from The Chemo Duck:

Whenever I’m scared and feeling down

There is no problem too big I’ve found

When the weight of the world is heavy on my back

I will raise my voice and let out a quack

Cause I’ve got a secret weapon when I am feeling stuck

And I’m never gonna let them tell me to give up

I found myself a best friend with feathers made of plush

Don’t let that fool you cause

He’s as tough as a stuffed duck comes – my friend, my friend the chemo duck.