how to prepare teens for medical procedures

When it comes to parenting teens, few things raise the stress level faster than figuring out how to prepare teens for medical procedures. It could be the dread of hearing, “You’re getting a shot today.” Or the full-on refusal to swallow that chalky bubblegum-tasting medicine. Or it might be something bigger—like chronic fatigue, post-concussion recovery, or a diagnosis that shifts how your teen navigates daily life.

Whatever the case, this week’s Parenting Shrink Wrapped podcast episode is for you.

We sat down with Dr. Missy Hendricks, a pediatric health psychologist who specializes in supporting kids (and families) through the emotional and behavioral side of medical challenges. Her insights are both deeply compassionate and incredibly practical.

In This Episode:

1. How to Prep Without Overloading
Should you tell your teen two weeks in advance or five minutes before a procedure? Dr. Missy shares how to time the conversation based on your child’s personality and anxiety level—and why honesty always trumps trickery.

2. What to Say—and What to Avoid
We talk about the power of using age-appropriate, sensory-based language (spoiler: describing a blood pressure cuff as a “tight hug” is genius) and why saying “you’re fine” can backfire when your teen is anything but.

3. Medical Anxiety Isn’t Defiance
If your teen acts out at the doctor’s office or refuses medication, it’s not always oppositional behavior. Sometimes, it’s lack of coping tools or overwhelming fear. This episode unpacks how to teach skills like breathwork, visualization, and even mini exposure therapy—before the big day.

4. What Chronic Illness Means for Teens
If your teen is living with a long-term health condition, you’ll love Dr. Missy’s blend of radical acceptance and scaffolding. She teaches parents how to support teens without centering their identity around their diagnosis—and how to help them reclaim agency, even within limits.

5. Why It’s About More Than Health
Preparing teens for medical challenges isn’t just about getting through the next appointment—it’s about equipping them for life. From learning to advocate for themselves to building distress tolerance, these lessons go far beyond the exam room.

🎧 Click here to listen to the full episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Or find it on your favorite podcast platform.

Let’s Face It—This Stuff Is Hard
Watching your teen struggle with fear, pain, or uncertainty in medical settings can bring up your own stress or even past experiences. This episode reminds us that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your teen is more capable than you might think, especially with the right support.

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