Child-Friendly Hospital Vocabulary Guide
Helping kids feel safe and empowered during medical visits.

People You’ll Meet

Doctor → Health Helper
A grown-up who figures out what’s making you feel yucky—and helps you feel better, faster.

Nurse → Care Friend
A kind helper who gives you medicine, checks how you're doing, and helps you feel comfy.

Child Life Specialist → Feelings Helper
A special friend who explains what’s happening, helps with big feelings, and makes hospital time less scary.

Things You Might See or Feel

Hospital → Healing Place
A special building where people go to get better. It’s full of kind helpers and tools that help your body heal.

Shot or Injection → Quick Pinch or Superhero Poke
A tiny pinch that helps your body stay strong—just like a superhero power-up!

IV → Tiny Medicine Straw
A little straw that gives your body medicine or water when it needs an extra boost.

Anesthesia → Sleepy Medicine
Magic sleepy dust that helps you nap while the doctor helps your body feel better.

Surgery → Nap While the Doctor Helps
You take a special sleep, and when you wake up, the doctor has helped your body feel stronger.

X-ray → Magic Body Picture
A cool picture that lets the doctor see your bones or what’s inside your tummy.

MRI or CT Scan → Giant Donut Camera
A big, round camera that takes superhero-style pictures of the inside of your body—without any pokes!

Special Tools & Tests

Stethoscope → Heart Listener
A tool that helps your doctor hear your heart say “thump-thump.”

Blood Pressure Cuff → Arm Hug
A soft hug around your arm that shows how strong your heart is pumping.

Thermometer → Temperature Taker
A tool that checks if your body is too warm, too cool, or just right.

Oxygen Mask or Tubes → Air Helper or Super-Breath Mask
Gives your body extra fresh air when it needs help breathing strong.

What Helps the Most

“Nothing will happen without you knowing.”
“You can always ask questions.”
“Your voice matters here.”

What You Can Do

  • Ask to hold a comfort toy or stuffed animal

  • Take deep breaths like you’re blowing bubbles

  • Ask for a Child Life Specialist

  • Say what feels okay and what doesn’t

  • Ask for a break or help if you're nervous

Created with love by The Silly Lily Foundation
www.sillylilyfoundation.org | @sillylilyfoundation