Provide a family tour of the preoperative unit one week before the surgery is scheduled.

Give the child syringes or hospital masks to play with at home prior to hospitalization.

Include the child in play therapy with children who are hospitalized for similar surgery.

Provide dolls and equipment to re-enact feelings associated with painful procedures.

Play therapy with peers is beneficial for long-term chronic illness adjustment but is impractical for acute preoperative teaching. While peer support is valued, the logistical timing and specificity of surgical procedures make this an inefficient method for immediate, individualized preparation for an upcoming scheduled operation.