Billy's pediatrician discovered an inguinal hernia and referred him to a pediatric surgeon for a herniorrhaphy. Plans were made for an elective surgery. The pediatrician then received a call from Billy's mother. Although she agreed that Billy (3 years old) needed the procedure, his mother inquired about the risk of general anesthesia. "I heard that some children have a horrible time when they are given anesthesia." She also read about some parents present at the time an anesthesia is given to a child. "Can I be with Billy when he goes to surgery?" In addition, after talking to several parents, she heard that the immediate postoperative period can be difficult for some children. She asked, "Wouldn't it make sense for me to be with Billy when he wakes up after surgery? I'd like to comfort him and let him know that I am there with him."The pediatrician, only a few years from her training, was comfortable answering the first question but was uncertain about a response to the latter two questions. She considered reviewing the literature in this area and investigating local options.