(3-5 Years)
During this period children begin to have some manual dexterity. They can manipulate toys and crayons, and can be taught some of the basics of ostomy care such as; assisting with emptying the pouch or doing it with close supervision. This age group also displays some “magical thinking” and so, “medical play” with dolls and stuffed animals with stomas can be helpful.
Some of the major ostomy supply companies can provide these, giving children in this age group a helpful way to give them some control. For example, asking simple questions such as; where to do care or who performs care (mom or dad or other caretaker).
This age group can be easily distracted so having an adult to assist and keep the child on track is important. Visual cues can help such as pictorial flashcards listing each step: sit on toilet or potty chair, point the end of the pouch into the bowl between legs, open the end of the pouch, empty pouch, clean the end of the pouch with a baby wipe or wet wipe, close-up the pouch, wash hands. Practicing on a doll can be very useful in skill development and in engaging the child. Reminders to clean hands are needed as this step may be forgotten.
Offering praise and rewards such as a sticker calendar or little treats or prizes, reinforces skill development. As in the older child, privacy is important for pre-school children so emptying the pouch should take place with that in mind.
In this age group, changing the appliance is still accomplished by the caretaker. However, the child can assist by helping to remove the appliance and by handing supplies to the caretakers. Using flashcards for appliance changes can help the child learn the steps. The caretaker can then interact and query the child for “Next step…?”
Occasionally children in this age group may still have some anxiety regarding their stoma and this is most notably seen during appliance changes. Again, using “medical play” with dolls, models, and books can be helpful in getting the child to relax and ultimately adapt. If anxiety is still at a high level, then distraction techniques with games, videos or interactive toys can be used to support the child through appliance changes.
If your child participates in care at home, such as in emptying the pouch, it is important to allow your child to help in daycare/preschool as well so skills can be maintained.
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
