Blog: Physical Symptoms

Ten-year-old Ethan described his headaches as either “pounding cannonballs” on the top of his head or “humungous pliers” gripping his temples. He created a character for them: a muscular hard-hat construction worker holding an enormous drill in each hand, opening up the top of his head and drilling directly into his brain. The intense pain made Ethan weep. Headaches are […]

Whenever Edward started up the stairs to his pediatrician’s office, he would panic. He’d fall down and refuse to move. Even though his doctor was the kindest, caring doc around, Edward was terrified of “the shot.” He had to be carried in and held down for any immunization. Now that it’s flu season, another “shot” is coming up and his […]

Eight-year-old Alice suffered from horrible stomach pain. In my office she closed her eyes, breathed slowing into her belly, and asked inside what was the cause. Stress appeared as a large square black block in the middle of her brain. What to do? Her inner voice said Calmness was the antidote. Pictured as a swirling lavender ball, she breathed Calm […]

Medical procedures and surgery can be terrorizing to a child. The worry, anxiety, fear of pain, and feeling out of control can send kids over the edge – from hysterical crying to aggressive and acting-out behavior, to hiding and crawling up in a fetal position. As nurses and practitioners you can help the parents and caregivers you work with learn […]