It is time to perfect your parent “poker face.” Your child will face many unfamiliar tests and procedures. They will watch you to gauge their response. If you are cool, they will be cool. If you grimace or flinch they will notice. If you show fear in any way through body language, they will not hear your words.
Children learn body language before words. They still rely on it heavily, especially when they do not understand the words. Terms used by medical folks mean nothing to them. If electrodes are referred to as a “pretty wire ponytail” they will not seem like something sharp or dangerous.
Patience is required for young patients. NEVER force or rush a procedure. If you do, there will be more issues down the line. Fear will never be your friend…or theirs. Prepare them as thoroughly as possible BEFORE the appointment.
The book All Eyes on Me by L. Brandon Magoni will help ease fears before an EMU stay. Brandon’s book tells about his time at an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and includes photos of himself and his family during his stay there.
You may be scared out of your mind, but SHOW NO FEAR. Their eyes are watching your face and body, they are doing the real talking while your lips are moving and making noise.
Seizure Mama and Rose 
Reblogged this on Disablities & Mental Health Issues.
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