The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, diagnoses, or treatment options for you or your child.

When a child faces gastrointestinal surgery, the anticipation can feel overwhelming—not just for them, but for their caregivers as well. Questions often swirl in parents’ minds: How do I explain something so complex without frightening my child? How can I help them feel safe, calm, and even confident in the face of such a big experience?

At The Butterfly Pig, we understand that these moments can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be honest, but not overwhelming; informative, but not scary. The good news? Children are naturally curious, and this curiosity can be an incredibly powerful tool. By engaging them in age-appropriate conversations and introducing playful tools, like medical toys, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for empowerment and growth.

Here’s how you can help your child navigate their surgery journey with confidence, understanding, and a little bit of magic.

Starting the Conversation

The way you start the conversation can set the tone for how your child perceives their surgery. Choose a calm, unrushed moment when you’re ready to listen and answer their questions. Use simple, reassuring language tailored to their age and developmental stage.

For younger children, keep the explanation light and relatable:

“You know how sometimes our bodies need a little help to feel better? The doctors are going to take special care of your tummy so it can work like it should.”

But don’t shy away from using real words like “surgery” or “procedure”. Any terms that may be used in the hospital would benefit to be introduced by you first – in a comfortable and familiar environment.

If possible, use toys to help demonstrate what is going to happen.

For older kids, you can share even more details. Visual aids like kid-friendly diagrams or resources can help them better understand the procedure. Encourage questions and let their curiosity guide the conversation. If you don’t know the answer, that’s okay! Saying, “That’s a great question—let’s find out together,” models a proactive, calm approach that reassures them.

Using Play to Teach and Comfort

Children often process complex experiences through play. Introducing medical toys into your conversations can make surgery feel less intimidating and more familiar. Imagine giving your child a plush doll with a tummy that “opens” to reveal removable organs or a toy that mimics the gastrointestinal system. These tools provide a hands-on way to explore what will happen, turning something scary into something manageable.

Role-playing can be particularly powerful. Let your child step into the role of the “doctor” or “surgeon,” using toys to recreate the procedure. This imaginative play gives them a sense of control over the experience. At The Butterfly Pig, our inclusive medical toys are designed with this purpose in mind—to empower children to better understand their medical journeys while building confidence and trust.

One parent shared, “My child loved pretending to ‘fix’ their teddy bear’s tummy. It helped them feel brave about their own surgery”. Through play, children can safely rehearse and internalize the process, transforming fear into curiosity.

Breaking Down the Unknown

One of the most daunting parts of surgery for children is the uncertainty. By walking them through each step of the experience, you can replace fear of the unknown with understanding.

Here are some ideas to discuss preparing for surgery:

Pre-op Testing:

“We will go to the hospital to do some tests that check your blood and your heart to make sure it’s strong and ready for surgery. You can bring a stuffed animal or toy with us!”

The Morning Of:

“On the day of surgery, we will wait to eat any food until surgery is over. This is to make sure your tummy is clean and empty for surgery. You’ll put on a special gown and lie on a soft bed – with wheels! They’ll roll you right in to the operating room – the nurses will be there to keep you safe.”

The Procedure:

“While you’re asleep, the doctors will fix your tummy. They give you special medicine to keep you asleep so you don’t feel anything during the surgery.”

Recovery:

“After surgery, we’ll see you in a cozy room where you can rest. If you hurt at all, they will give you medicine through an IV – the little tube they put in your arm. I’ll be right there with you.”

Including sensory details—what they might see, hear, or feel—can make the experience feel more predictable.

Together you can look up photos of pre-op rooms, hospital hallways, and pictures of doctors and nurses in their scrubs.

If your child likes imagine play, you can describe the hospital gown as “a superhero cape” or the bed as a “magic flying bed on wheels.” These small touches of whimsy can make a big difference in how your child perceives the experience.

Addressing Common Fears

Surgery often brings up big emotions for children, including fear of pain, separation, or changes to their body. Acknowledging and validating their feelings is key.

• Fear of Pain – “The doctors and nurses have special medicines to help your tummy feel better.”

• Fear of Separation – “I’ll stay with you as much as I can. When I can’t be in the room, I’ll be waiting right nearby. And nurse X will be with you the whole time.”

• Body Image Concerns – “After the surgery, you might have a small line on your tummy, like a little zipper. It’s a mark of how strong and brave you are!”

Visual aids can also help here. Show them a toy with a scar or a picture of another child who has had surgery. Normalizing these experiences can help reduce fear and foster acceptance.

Creating a Supportive Environment

In the days leading up to surgery, focus on creating a calm, reassuring atmosphere. Stick to familiar routines and incorporate relaxing activities, like reading, drawing, or playing with their favorite toys. Books or videos that explain surgery in a child-friendly way can also be helpful.

The Butterfly Pig’s toys can play a central role here. For example, a toy with a pretend stoma or G-Tube can help them process their experience. By acting out their medical care on a doll or stuffed animal, they can process the event in a way that feels safe and empowering.

The Importance of Involvement

Giving your child small choices and responsibilities can make them feel more in control. Let them pack their hospital bag with comfort items, choose the color of their bandages, or even name the stuffed animal they’ll bring along.

These small moments of agency are especially important for children with ongoing medical needs. Toys or medical play support tools that reflect their unique experiences—like those designed for kids with feeding tubes or ostomies—send a powerful message: “This is part of your story, and it’s something to be proud of.”

One parent shared, “Every product I’ve purchased makes my child feel seen and proud of who they are. It reminds her that she’s more than just her condition”.

After the Surgery

The recovery phase is just as important as the preparation. Children may need extra reassurance as they adjust to their body’s changes or cope with discomfort. Keep communication open and encourage them to express their feelings, whether through words, art, or play.

Medical toys can be invaluable during recovery. Children can recreate their surgical experience with a doll or care for their toy’s “tummy,” mirroring their own journey. This not only helps them process their emotions but also builds empathy and understanding.

Building Confidence Through Connection

Every child’s medical journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preparing them for surgery. What matters most is creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and understood. By combining open communication, playful learning tools, and plenty of love, you can help your child approach their surgery with courage and confidence.

At The Butterfly Pig, we’re passionate about creating tools that empower children with medical needs. From whimsical, research-backed toys to resources that make healthcare less intimidating, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

Discover the Magic: Explore our inclusive medical toys and see how play can transform your child’s healthcare journey. Together, we can turn challenges into moments of strength, hope, and joy.