Diese Fragen und Antworten richten sich an Eltern und Bezugspersonen von Kindern bis ca. 12 Jahre. Sie basieren auf Fachwissen des Universitäts-Kinderspitals Zürich sowie des Zahnmedizinischen Zentrums der Universität Zürich und Kinderzahni Zürich. Ergänzt werden sie durch aktuelle wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse aus Pädagogik, Psychologie und Gesundheitsforschung.
1) Principles: Empowerment & Health Literacy
What does empowerment mean in healthcare for my child?
Empowerment means enabling children and families to actively participate. Children understand, in an age-appropriate way, what is happening, may ask questions, and are given small choices (e.g. cuddly toy, scent of the anaesthesia mask). Research shows that prepared children are more cooperative, less anxious, and recover faster. Empowerment also means that your child experiences themself not as a passive “object of treatment” but as an active, brave person.
How can I strengthen my family’s health literacy?
Gesundheitskompetenz heisst, Informationen zu verstehen und im Alltag anzuwenden. Das gelingt, wenn Sie:
- Asking until everything is clear – and encouraging your child to do the same.
- Using reliable sources.
- Explaining medical topics in simple, child-friendly language (with pictures, stories, play).
- Modelling clear and respectful communication with doctors.
Step by step, your child learns to recognise their own body’s signals and take responsibility.
How can I support my child’s mental health in stressful situations?
Children absorb their parents’ emotions. Stay calm, show confidence, and use positive words. Praise every small act of courage. Helpful strategies include:
- Breathing together: deep inhale and exhale.
- Distraction: telling stories, listening to music, bringing a favourite game.
- Rituals: having a cuddly toy or lucky charm.
2) Doctor and Hospital Visit
(in collaboration with University Children’s Hospital Zurich)
Communication & Preparation
Should I ask if something is unclear?
Yes. Professionals are trained to inform openly, but they may not always notice misunderstandings. Ask until you understand. Encourage your child to be curious and ask questions too.
How can I explain a hospital visit to my child?
Be honest but age-appropriate. Avoid “It won’t hurt” – better: “It may pinch quickly, and then it’s over.” Explain the purpose (“This helps you get well again”). Role-play at home (e.g. put plasters on a teddy).
Safety & Comfort
Can I stay with my child?
In most cases yes. Your presence gives security, especially during procedures that cause fear. Your calmness and positive language help directly.
What should we bring?
Bring familiar items from home (soft toy, pillow, book, music). They provide comfort and distraction during waiting times.
Pain & Treatment
How are pain and nausea managed?
The goal is that children are as pain-free as possible. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are available. Nausea after surgery or from medication is taken seriously and treated as best as possible.
How do I explain IVs and plasters to my child?
- An IV (“infusion”) is a soft tube, not a needle.
- Removing the IV is usually painless; the plaster removal is often the unpleasant part. Hospitals use sprays or wipes to make it easier.
- Prepare at home playfully (plasters on teddy, then removing them).
What if my child is afraid of injections?
The skin is usually numbed beforehand with a special cream (“magic cream”). Your presence and distraction (singing, toys, phone) help a lot.
Emergency & Surgery
Why do we sometimes have to wait while others go in first?
Because treatment follows urgency (triage). This is life-saving – and means that your child is fortunately not in critical danger.
What happens before an operation?
- Children may receive premedication that reduces anxiety and causes drowsiness. They often do not remember details later.
- A parent may usually accompany the child into the operating anteroom.
- If no IV is placed yet, the child usually falls asleep through a mask with a chosen scent. The IV is then placed without pain.
- You are with your child again when they wake up.
Are single rooms available?
Most children are placed in shared rooms. Single rooms are reserved for critical or infectious cases. Even private patients may not always get one.
3) Dentist Visit
(in cooperation with Kinderzahni Zurich and the University of Zurich Dental Center)
Should I tell my child about my own bad experiences?
No. Do not pass on your own negative experiences. Every child should have the chance to build their own, unburdened experiences.
Do rewards make sense?
Promising big rewards beforehand is not helpful. It reinforces negative feelings and makes building trust harder. Honest praise and small shared rituals afterwards work better.
What kind of language is helpful – and what should be avoided?
Avoid words and phrases like “fear,” “hurt,” “injection,” “forceps,” “to pull a tooth.” Even well-meant sentences like “Don’t be afraid” focus the child’s mind on fear.
Better: “The dentist helps keep your teeth healthy.”
Should I use threats to motivate my child?
No. Threats like “because you didn’t brush, you must go to the dentist” are counterproductive. Present the dentist as a helper, not as a punishment.
Should I go into the treatment room?
Yes, if your child wants you to. Stay in the background so the dentist–child communication can develop. Older children sometimes benefit from going in alone.
What if my child refuses?
This can happen. Everyone has bad days. The dentist will calmly discuss next steps with you, or arrange a new appointment.
Will my child be forced?
No. Experienced paediatric dentists never force children. Examination and treatment only take place with the consent of both the child and the parents.
4) Practical Insights from Research
Why is preparation so important?
Studies show that prepared children are calmer, more cooperative, and need fewer medications. They have less traumatic memories and more trust in healthcare.
What role does language play?
Positive, clear language reduces stress. Say “You’re doing great” instead of “Don’t be afraid.” Children filter out key words and react strongly to them.
How can I actively involve my child?
Offer small choices: favourite toy, music, mask scent. Let them help decide (“Which plaster should we use?”). This strengthens their sense of control.
What helps during waiting times?
Waiting usually means it is not life-threatening. Use the time: reading, drawing, listening to stories. Distraction reduces anxiety.
How can I strengthen my child after treatment?
Praise and small rituals (a story together, a warm drink, a walk) help anchor the experience positively. Don’t only praise “being brave,” but also curiosity and the way they coped with feelings.