When working with children in a medical setting or after an accident, it’s important to use calming and reassuring words. In Spanish, there are several key phrases you can use to help a child feel safe and relaxed. Here are some of the most useful ones, along with their translations and examples.
1. “Relájate” – Relax
This is a simple way to encourage a child to calm down. It’s informal and works well when speaking gently.
✅ Examples:
- Respira profundo y relájate. (Take a deep breath and relax.)
- Está bien, no pasó nada, relájate. (It’s okay, nothing happened, relax.)
2. “Tranquilízate” – Calm down
This phrase is slightly more direct but still gentle. It’s used when a child is anxious or upset.
✅ Examples:
- Tranquilízate, el doctor solo quiere ayudarte. (Calm down, the doctor just wants to help you.)
- Sé que duele, pero tranquilízate, ya casi terminamos. (I know it hurts, but calm down, we’re almost done.)
3. “No te muevas” – Don’t move
This is useful when a child needs to stay still, for example, during a medical examination or while treating a wound.
✅ Examples:
- No te muevas, vamos a limpiar tu herida. (Don’t move, we’re going to clean your wound.)
- Es importante que no te muevas para que podamos ayudarte. (It’s important that you don’t move so we can help you.)
4. “No tengas miedo” – Don’t be afraid
Many children feel scared in a clinic or after an accident. This phrase helps reassure them.
✅ Examples:
- No tengas miedo, el doctor es muy amable. (Don’t be afraid, the doctor is very nice.)
- No tengas miedo, solo será un piquetito. (Don’t be afraid, it’ll just be a tiny pinch.)
5. “Descansa” – Rest
If a child is exhausted or in recovery, this phrase helps encourage them to rest.
✅ Examples:
- Descansa un rato y te sentirás mejor. (Rest for a while and you’ll feel better.)
- Cierra los ojos y descansa un poquito. (Close your eyes and rest a little.)
6. “Recuéstate” – Lie down
This is helpful when a child needs to lie down for an exam or to recover.
✅ Examples:
- Recuéstate para que el doctor pueda revisarte. (Lie down so the doctor can check you.)
- Si te sientes mareado, recuéstate un momento. (If you feel dizzy, lie down for a moment.)
Example Conversation in a Clinic
👩⚕️ Tranquilízate, solo quiero ver cómo está tu brazo.
(Calm down, I just want to see how your arm is.)
🧑🦰 Me duele mucho.
(It hurts a lot.)
👩⚕️ Lo sé, pero no te muevas, así podemos ayudarte más rápido.
(I know, but don’t move so we can help you faster.)
🧑🦰 Está bien…
(Okay…)
👩⚕️ Muy bien, relájate y respira profundo.
(Great, relax and take a deep breath.)
Using the right words can make a big difference in helping children feel safe and comfortable in stressful situations. Here’s a quick recap of useful phrases:
✅ Relájate – Relax
✅ Tranquilízate – Calm down
✅ No te muevas – Don’t move
✅ No tengas miedo – Don’t be afraid
✅ Descansa – Rest
✅ Recuéstate – Lie down
These phrases will help you soothe a child, whether in a clinic, after an accident, or in any stressful situation!
