Everything families need to know about surgery – in one place

Every family's surgical journey looks different. To help children and families feel more informed, prepared and supported through each stage of their surgical journey, SickKids has brought together a comprehensive set of Coming for Surgery resources — including a dedicated website, an interactive workbook and a new series of patient‑ and family‑informed videos. 

One hub to keep families ‘in the know’  

The Coming for Surgery website is the starting point for families preparing for surgery at SickKids with the aim to help reduce uncertainty, support preparedness and create a more positive surgical experience for children and caregivers alike.  

Developed in partnership with patient and family advisors and a multidisciplinary SickKids team, this hub equips families with the most up-to-date information, tools and supports they can access all in one place. 

What’s included on the Coming for Surgery website 

The Coming for Surgery website is designed to support families at every stage — before surgery, on the day of surgery, and afterwards during recovery. It includes: 

• Important instructions and what‑to‑expect information to help families prepare 
• Supportive resources for children and caregivers, written in clear, accessible language 
• The Coming for Surgery Workbook includes practical tips, a packing list, fillable sections and information about what to expect before, during and after surgery all in one PDF. 
• A video series, created with patient and family partners, builds on the workbook by providing a reassuring, real-life perspective of the surgical journey, helping families feel more confident and prepared.  
• AboutKidsHealth “Coming for Surgery” Learning Hub to support patients in and outside of SickKids on their surgical journeys 
• A Calm Companion workbook, which is an age‑appropriate toolkit that shares simple, evidence‑based strategies to reduce anxiety across the surgical journey, focusing on mind‑body strategies, movement and medication (the “3 M’s”). 

Learn more on the Coming for Surgery website: sickkids.ca/comingforsurgery