I’ve been refining our pre-op routine to make anesthesia feel safer for kids — lately we let them choose a bubblegum or citrus mask scent and invite a parent to stay through mask induction when it’s safe to do so. For those using child-centered approaches, what’s genuinely worked for you — things like a 3-minute “practice breathing” game, a favorite toy from home, or a quick day-of video walk-through with the family?
We do 3-minute ‘practice breathing’ with a pinwheel, then give their stuffed animal a ‘turn’ first; skip scents if migraines.
Short example: 2-minute headphone story with ‘bubblegum’ mask; parent stays; avoid screens if overstimulating.