When should I tell my toddler about surgery?

One to two days before for toddlers, and two to four days before for preschoolers, Texas Children's suggests.

What should my child bring to the hospital?

A favorite stuffed animal, blanket or toy they choose themselves.

Is there a social story about going to the hospital?

Many children's hospitals share one about their own building. Tella makes one starring your child, ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All fears

How to prepare your child for a hospital stay or surgery

Tell them a day or two ahead in simple, honest words, let them choose a comfort item to bring, and walk them through the day before it comes.

Custom story for Hana

Hana stays one night at the hospital for a small surgery, with her stuffed panda and Mom right beside her.

Panda's Sleepy Night Adventure

Story created for Hana

Texas Children's suggests telling toddlers about surgery one to two days before and preschoolers two to four days before, in simple words without too many details, and being honest to build trust. It also suggests letting your child choose a favorite stuffed animal, blanket or toy to bring.

Children's hospitals often share a social story about surgery day in their own building. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the grown-up who stays close and the comfort item they chose.

A hospital social story starring your child

Here's how Hana's story goes.

Nurse Bell slips a soft name bracelet around Hana's wrist and promises to tell her every step.
Soft yellow hospital pajamas with tiny stars, and her stuffed panda close.
Sleepy medicine comes through a soft mask, with her panda's paw in her hand.
When Hana wakes up, Mom is right there with a cold cup of juice.

Watch Hana’s whole story

Questions parents ask

When should I tell my toddler about surgery?: One to two days before for toddlers, and two to four days before for preschoolers, Texas Children's suggests.
What should my child bring to the hospital?: A favorite stuffed animal, blanket or toy they choose themselves.
Is there a social story about going to the hospital?: Many children's hospitals share one about their own building. Tella makes one starring your child, ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated November 9, 2026.

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Tella Stories: personalized stories for kids