From the heart!
Have you ever wondered what children with congenital heart disease usually bring to the treatment before surgery?
Here are some of their biggest concerns:
- I'm worried about the surgery! My parents are hiding information from me so I don't get scared and that doesn't help me..I want to know!
- Will everything go well? Will I be able to live normally again?
- I'm worried that my parents are worried and so I don't tell them that I'm afraid so as not to burden them.
PARENTS!
Children want transparency so that they can manage their own fear about their health condition that directly affects them. Certainly based on their age, but the truth always helps to get through the fear.
Children need the truth!
Normalized without drama or exaggeration but with the certainty that we parents are there for them.
Children want us to encourage them to talk about what they are feeling because they may not do it on their own. And we need to share our feelings and trust in the Medical Team that has taken care of them. Children feel that we are worried and any embellishment of the situation (It's nothing, don't worry) does not help them feel safe.
They will feel safe if we tell them that although we are worried and it is natural, we trust the doctors and we will of course be with them in this challenge!
Children do not want superhero parents but adults who can accompany them on this adventure with stability and tenderness!
Andri Christoudia
Systemic Family Psychotherapist
March 17, 2025