It’s very difficult to see your child in pain, but you can help your child cope with pain and be an advocate for him or her during an outpatient visit or hospitalization. It’s important that you listen carefully when your child complains about pain, because whatever he or she is experiencing is very real.
There are two types of pain—physical and emotional/psychological. Emotional pain needs to be taken very seriously. Children who feel sad are feeling pain just as real as physical pain. If your child is suffering from emotional pain, please contact the Child Psychiatry Department at 617-726-2724.
Physical pain is our body’s way of telling us there’s something wrong and where the problem is located. Pain can be acute, chronic, or recurrent. It is important to talk about pain with your child, and explain to him or her that you need to know how he or she feels. Encourage your child to be honest so that your medical team can do everything necessary to manage pain.
Here’s what you need to know to help manage your child’s pain:
Children react differently to pain
Some children may cry or moan; others will become very quiet; some won’t move. Most children in pain will not want to eat. It’s important for children to be honest about what hurts and where the pain is located. Encourage them not to mask their pain from you or from hospital staff. If your child fears getting a shot, ask your caregiver to explain to your child the process and how it will be made as comfortable as possible for your child.
The sooner you can assess the amount of pain your child feels, the sooner it will be addressed
Ask your child how much pain he or she is experiencing. Also, watch their body language. You know your child best and should be able to tell how uncomfortable he or she is. If your child undergoes physical changes, that may be a sign of chronic pain. While you’re here, we’ll ask you questions of this nature, including how your child is acting compared to usual behavior. We will monitor his or her behavior, body language, and physical appearance. We’ll determine a pain level using a pain scale and how to quickly and effectively address it.
Sometimes distracting children can help with pain
Video games, books, etc. can help take a child’s mind off the pain. Just be sure to contact your child’s caregiver if his or her pain level changes.
For more information about helping your child cope with pain, talk to your caregiver.
