When and how do you tell your child about surgery?

You know, I always struggle with this. We have an upcoming outpatient sinus surgery. At least it's hopefully outpatient. My little guy hates PICC lines and IVs to the point of hysteria at times, but hopefully there won't be much of that this time since its outpatient. I don't want him walking through his school day and playtimes fearful. But I don't want to scare the bejesus out of him by saying "Good Morning, we're going to the hospital for surgery today" either! I tend to discuss the issues he's having for a week or so before, and propose surgery as a potential solution, letting him come to the conclusion that it would be a good idea but still feeling like that decision is partly in his control. I don't know if it's a smart way, or if I'm torturing him. Help! How do you all do it and how does it work for you? Any past experiences that were bad as well as good approaches? Sometimes I feel absolutely stupid about this stuff.
Source: Cystic Fibrosis Teenagers and Young People Forum - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Teenagers and Young People Source Type: forums