How to Educate and Support Kids with a Hickman or
PICC Line
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Helping a child navigate life with a Hickman or PICC line comes with its challenges, but it doesn’t have to take away their sense of independence, confidence, or playfulness. As a parent, you want to keep them safe, help them understand their medical needs, and still let them be a kid. Balancing all of this can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right tools and approach, children can feel empowered rather than restricted.
A central line may be a necessary part of their medical care, but it doesn’t have to define their childhood. When children feel included in their care, when they can explore their experiences through play, and when they are given choices that allow them to feel in control, they adapt with remarkable resilience.
Start with Honest, Reassuring Conversations
Children pick up on more than we sometimes realize, and avoiding their questions won’t make the situation easier. While it may be tempting to downplay things to keep them from worrying, honesty—delivered in a calm and reassuring way—helps children feel more secure. Instead of brushing off concerns with phrases like, “It’s nothing to worry about,” try giving them simple, clear explanations that help build trust.
A good approach is to keep explanations short and age-appropriate. For younger children, you might say, “This special tube helps your body get what it needs so you can feel your best.” Older children may want a bit more detail, and that’s okay. Answer their questions in a way that feels natural while reminding them that they are safe and cared for.
Some children will ask a lot of questions, while others may process things more quietly. Either way, making space for conversation without forcing it helps them feel supported.
Make Medical Care Part of Their World, Not a Scary Exception
Children process new experiences best when they are familiar and routine. If a central line is part of their reality, it should also be part of their play and storytelling. Medical experiences can feel less intimidating when they are something children can explore in a safe, relaxed environment.
One way to do this is through medical play. Children who are able to interact with toys that have a Hickman or PICC line—whether through a doll, stuffed animal, or pretend doctor’s kit—often feel more comfortable with their own line. Role-playing helps them process their emotions, understand their care, and gain a sense of control.
When a child can pretend to flush a central line on a toy before doing it on themselves, it turns an unfamiliar medical procedure into something they already understand. Play helps make medical routines feel normal rather than something to be afraid of.
Create a Routine That Gives Them Some Control
Children feel more secure when they know what to expect, and even more so when they have some control over their experience. While caring for a central line comes with strict steps, there are still ways to involve children in a way that makes them feel active rather than passive in their care.
Letting them make small choices, like picking the sticker for their dressing or choosing a song to sing while cleaning the site, helps them feel more in charge of what’s happening. Even simple decisions like, “Do you want to sit on the couch or the bed while we do your dressing change?” can make a difference.
For older children, explaining the steps of care in a way that empowers them is important. Instead of saying, “Don’t touch that, it’s dirty,” try saying, “We always clean our hands before we touch the line. Do you want to use soap or hand sanitizer?” This small shift in wording turns a restriction into a responsibility.
Tackle the Fear of Accidents with a Plan
One of the biggest worries for both kids and parents is the fear of something going wrong. The idea of the line getting pulled or infected can be stressful, but rather than focusing on the risks, children feel more secure when they know what to do if something happens.
Having a simple plan in place and practicing calm responses can help kids feel more prepared. Let them know that if their dressing starts peeling or if they feel like their line is caught on something, they should let a grown-up know right away. Practice saying phrases like, “Mom, my dressing feels loose,” or “I need help with my line.”
Turning routine precautions into something lighthearted can also help. Tucking a line into clothing can be turned into a secret agent mission or a superhero cape attachment, making it feel less like a restriction and more like a game.
At school, teachers and nurses should be aware of a child’s central line care needs. Some children might feel shy about explaining it, so having a simple script they can use—like, “This is my central line. It helps me get medicine, and I need to keep it clean and covered”—can help them feel more confident.
Handling Stares and Questions from Other Kids
Curiosity from peers is natural, and every child will have a different comfort level when it comes to answering questions. Some children are happy to explain their line, while others may prefer to keep it private. Both approaches are valid, and it’s important to help children feel prepared rather than caught off guard.
Practicing responses at home can help children decide what they are comfortable saying. Some may prefer a simple response like, “It’s how I get medicine.” Others may enjoy sharing a little more: “It’s called a PICC line. It helps my body stay strong.” Giving them the choice to decide how much to share lets them feel in control.
Having inclusive toys in the classroom can also make a difference. When classmates see dolls or plushies with central lines, it normalizes medical devices and makes these conversations feel less isolating.
Let Them Be a Kid
Children with a Hickman or PICC line still need to feel like kids. While there are precautions to take, it’s important to focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t.
Talk to their care team about safe activities. Swimming might not be possible, but a water balloon toss with dry hands could be a fun alternative. Contact sports may not be recommended, but dance, yoga, or martial arts might be great options. Finding activities that allow for movement, creativity, and play helps children stay engaged and confident.
Letting them personalize their medical gear can also be empowering. Colorful line covers, themed dressing stickers, or soft protective sleeves can make their central line feel like something unique to them, rather than something clinical. Feeling good about how they look can boost their confidence in navigating the world.
Helping Siblings Understand
Siblings may have questions about the central line, or they may feel unsure about how to interact with their brother or sister. They might worry about hurting them or feel left out when medical needs take up attention.
Including siblings in medical play can help them feel more connected. Letting them help “take care” of a toy with a central line can spark empathy and understanding. They may also need reassurance that their feelings matter, too. Acknowledging their emotions, whether frustration or concern, helps them feel supported.
Looking Forward
Living with a Hickman or PICC line comes with challenges, but it doesn’t have to be scary or isolating. When children are given the right tools, routines, and confidence-building choices, they feel strong, capable, and included. Medical play, open conversations, and small opportunities for independence all contribute to making the experience feel more manageable.
Every child deserves to feel seen and understood. The more medical needs are integrated into everyday life—through play, routines, and empowerment—the more confident children will feel in navigating their world. Kids are resilient, and with the right support, they can thrive.