Post-Op Communication Board for Kids | Surgery Recovery Printable

When talking feels hard after surgery, kids still deserve a way to tell us what they need. 💛

This Post-Op Communication Board was created by a Certified Child Life Specialist to give children a simple, visual way to communicate their needs, feelings, comfort preferences, and pain while they recover.

Children can simply point to the pictures to communicate things like drink, ice, bathroom, medicine, food, sleep, comfort, pain, nausea, yes, no, stop, or help—without needing to use their voice.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Full-color Post-Op Communication Board
• Printer-friendly black & white version
• Visual choices for common post-op needs
• Feelings and comfort options
• Yes / No / Stop / Help communication choices
• Visual pain scale
• Caregiver guide with tips for using the board
• Designed for ages 3–10
• Created by a Certified Child Life Specialist

PERFECT FOR

Children recovering from procedures where talking may feel uncomfortable or difficult, including tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy and other post-operative experiences.

Use it at the hospital, surgery center, or at home during recovery.

HOW TO USE

Print the board and keep it somewhere your child can easily see and reach. Encourage them to point to the picture that best communicates what they need or how they feel. Caregivers can also ask simple questions and allow the child to respond by pointing to yes or no.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
No physical product will be shipped.

For personal use only. This resource is a communication tool and is not intended to replace medical advice or your child’s medical team's instructions.