Getting Ready for an MRI
Engaging activities and calming tools to help children understand their feelings, prepare for the MRI experience, and feel more comfortable and confident along the way.
Downloadable Coloring Pages
These are free coloring pages you can download and use as you need.
Kids Also Wonder...
Why does the MRI make loud noises?
The MRI machine takes special pictures of the parts of your body we can’t see from the outside. While it works, it makes tapping, knocking, and humming sounds. The noises are a normal part of how the machine takes pictures.
What do the noises sound like?
Many kids say the MRI sounds like tapping, knocking, thumping, buzzing, or drumming. The sounds can be loud sometimes, but they are normal. Ask your grown up to listen to the audio clip in the Caregivers Corner to hear examples of what the MRI might sound like.
How long will I be in the MRI?
Every MRI is a little different. Some take a short time, and some take longer. Your care team will let you know about how long your MRI is expected to take.
Do I have to stay still the whole time?
Your care team will ask you to stay as still as you can while pictures are being taken. Staying still helps the camera take clear pictures. If there are breaks between pictures, your care team will tell you what to do.
Can my grown-up(s) stay with me?
Every hospital has different safety rules, so your care team will explain what their rules are and if your grown-up(s) can stay nearby during your MRI.
What if I get scared while I'm inside?
It's okay to feel nervous, worried, or scared when you are inside the MRI. Before your MRI starts, your care team will show you how to get their attention if you need help. They will be nearby watching and listening the whole time if you need anything.
Can I talk during my MRI?
Your care team will tell you when it is okay to talk. Sometimes they may ask you to stay quiet while pictures are being taken so they don’t come out blurry. If you need help, let your care team know.
What happens if I move?
If you move while the pictures are being taken, some pictures may look blurry. If that happens, your care team may need to take those pictures again. That's why staying as still as you can is important.
Will I be able to watch a movie or listen to music?
Some hospitals have special equipment that lets kids watch a movie or listen to music during their MRI. Other hospitals might not offer this option. Ask your care team what choices are available where you are.
What happens after my MRI?
When your MRI is finished, your care team will help you leave the machine. A doctor will look at the pictures and share the results with you and your family. Your care team will explain what happens next and answer any questions you may have.
Coping Skill Toolbox
These are free resources you can download and use to help work through a moment of emotions or stress to help make the experience better for everyone.
Coping Skill 1
My Coping Skills Maze
A fun maze activity that introduces children to simple coping skills they can use when big feelings feel overwhelming.
Coping Skill 2
Bigfoot Breaths
A playful guided-breathing exercise that teaches children to slow their breathing, ground their body, and feel more ready to handle big feelings before something new.
Coping Skill 3
Emotions & Feelings Matching Activity
A fun matching activity that helps children recognize, name, and better understand a variety of emotions they may be experiencing.
Coping Skill 4
Stillness Challenge
A fun matching activity that helps children recognize, name, and better understand a variety of emotions they may be experiencing.
Caregiver Corner
Why Preparation Matters
When children know what to expect, medical procedures often feel less scary and more manageable. Learning about the MRI ahead of time can help reduce uncertainty, build confidence, and give children a chance to practice coping skills before their appointment. Preparation doesn't take away all worries, but it can help children feel more in control and ready for the experience.
Understanding MRI Sounds and Why They Can Feel Intimidating
Our brains are designed to pay attention to unfamiliar sounds, especially when they are loud. Because MRI noises can be different from sounds children hear every day, they may feel surprising or intimidating at first. Helping your child hear examples of MRI sounds ahead of time can reduce uncertainty, increase familiarity, and build confidence before their appointment.
MRI Practice Guide: Simple SEL instructions for practicing stillness at home
One important part of an MRI is staying as still as possible while pictures are being taken. You can help your child practice this skill at home or in the hospital while you wait, in a fun and low-pressure way.
Try It Together:
- Have your child lie down on a bed, couch, or blanket.
- Set a timer for 30 seconds and challenge them to stay as still as a statue.
- As they become successful, slowly increase the time to 1 minute, 2 minutes, and longer.
- Practice using calm breaths, imagining a favorite place, or listening to a story while staying still.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection. Staying still is a skill that gets easier with practice.
Remind your child that being brave doesn't mean never feeling nervous. Being brave means sharing their feelings, using coping skills and trying their best, even when something feels new or challenging.
MRI Sounds: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vrmwrGuuuLs
Build Your Brave Plan
Download and Create
A personalized activity that helps children identify brave thoughts, coping tools, support people, and a plan for facing something difficult.
Bonus Activities
Bonus #1
MRI Search & Find
A fun search-and-find activity that helps children become more familiar with the MRI room while looking for hidden objects throughout the scene.
Bonus #2
MRI Adventure Maze
An engaging maze and coloring activity that introduces children to the MRI machine while helping them feel more prepared and confident about what’s ahead.