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Expecting children to act “brave” during serious medical situations can feel emotionally invalidating.

Fear, sadness, anger, and distress are natural responses to illness, pain, and uncertainty.

Healthcare should recognise and respond to emotional needs, not just physical treatment.

Imagine, for a moment, that you are about to undergo life‑threatening heart surgery. You feel unwell—fatigued, breathless, and emotionally drained. You are hungry and weak from fasting since the night before. Pre-medications are beginning to take effect, leaving you drowsy. You are dressed in a hospital gown, wearing compression stockings, and quietly preparing yourself for what lies ahead. More than anything, you want the comfort of those closest to you.

Now imagine that, at this moment, a healthcare professional arrives with a superhero costume and encourages you to put it on and “fly” down the corridor to the theatre.

Most adults would find this deeply incongruous; an ill‑judged mismatch between the seriousness of their situation and the behaviour expected of them. It would likely feel dismissive of their fear and distress, offering little room for emotional authenticity or support.

Yet, this scenario is not far removed from what many children experience in hospital settings.

The Expectation of Bravery

Children undergoing serious medical treatment are often labelled as “brave,” “courageous,” or even “warriors.” They may be given "bravery stickers" for being a "good patient," praised for staying still during painful........

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