Supporting Your Child Through Recovery - Distraction Techniques

Speaker 1:

Hi. Welcome to Shriners Children's St. Louis. I am a child life specialist. Recovery at home takes dedication on part of the family and patient. I would like to share with you some distraction techniques to help the process go smoother.

You can use these techniques during weight-bearing, stretching while in prone position and during medical procedures both at home and at Shriners.

[Title Card] Distraction techniques, three to six years old.

We will start with children who range from ages three to six years old. Helping your child choose a comfortable position can help empower them to work hard. Using activities or toys that your child is interested in is a great way to provide distraction. We suggest toys like bubbles, storybooks and theme toys or using toys that are new to your child. These can include musical instruments, light spinners, fidget toys or glitter wands.

[Title Card] Distraction techniques, seven to twelve years old.

As your child gets older within the seven to 12-year-old age range, interests change and often so do the distraction tools. Successful distraction during weight-bearing, stretching and other medical procedures often happens with video games, a tablet, television, or virtual reality goggles. Other tools that work well in this age group are Lego, slime, puzzles, Play-Doh, Pop-Its, Bop It, Simon Says or other games.

[Title Card] Distraction techniques, thirteen to eighteen years old.

Similar to the previous age group, teenagers who range from 13 to 18 years old can benefit from distraction with the use of electronics. However, other tools that might help distract your teenager are stress balls or fidget toys. This age group can also benefit from meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, heat and cold therapies, aroma therapy and music.

[Title Card] Cognitive and thinking games or puzzles, Sudoku, word puzzles, card games, board games, reading books, I Spy books.

Cognitive and thinking games or puzzles such as Sudoku, word puzzles, card games, board games, reading books or looking at I Spy books are also wonderful distraction tools for this age group. These techniques help redirect and distract the brain.

[Title Card] Make a plan, choose different distraction techniques, gather supplies ahead of time, choose activities to encourage movement, get active.

Make a plan together with your child that includes a list of preferred distraction tools or techniques. This is a great way to empower and involve your child. Gather all necessary supplies ahead of time. Your child can also make a list of distraction activities that encourage weight-bearing and movement, like swimming, walking on an indoor or outdoor track, walk through a store, neighborhood, park or recreation area. Staying active and moving your body will help your child in the short and long-term. Physical contact sports are not recommended.

[One voice, one speaker versus multiple competing voices, helps with stress, anxiety, role confusion, and refrains from creating a chaotic environment, simply say, “one voice” to prompt a pause.

We recommend practicing the One Voice method during stretching and medical procedures. One Voice is when only one person is speaking at a time versus multiple people competing to have their voice heard at the same time. This will help eliminate unnecessary stress, anxiety, role confusion and refrain from creating a chaotic environment. If it becomes too loud with several people talking at the same time, simply say, "one voice" to prompt everyone to pause.

Thank you for taking the time to watch this video. And please remember, Shriners is here to help support you through this journey.

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