Leslie B. Smoot, MD, Staff Cardiologist at Children's Hospital Boston responded to the following question:

Are there ways to make things easier for a child when they come to their clinic appointments, enter the hospital, have an operation, etc.?

• Anticipate, but don't obsess on what might occur in the hospital. Reassure your child that you will be there for them, and explain why/when you can't be there. Tell the truth, but don't go into detail.

• Bring soothing things, treats and quiet distractions (and don't forget some reward, however small) for their tolerance of the situation.

• Make friends with the people you meet, (nurses, patients, phlebotomists) - so your children can have friends here too.

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