Your Child's Hospital Visit

Helping Your Child During A Hospital Stay

No matter how much preparation you’ve done, the reality of being in the hospital is still disturbing for most children. They naturally turn to parents for emotional support and for help in getting their needs known and acted upon. Your support can make a dramatic difference in how quickly your child recovers from an illness, both emotionally and physically.

Be There For Your Child

• Set aside time to talk, listen or simply be with your child when he or she needs attention.

• Be available during times when your child may be most likely to worry such as before bedtime or early in the morning.

• Stay overnight when possible. The younger your child is, the more important it is for you to stay with him or her. (See Visiting Hours for details.)

• When you have to leave, tell your child where you’re going and when you’ll return. Don’t forget to tell the shift nurse, too.
  • Be sure to tell your child who will be taking care of him or her while you’re away.
  • Give your child something of yours to hold onto to help him or her feel connected to you.
  • If possible, call your child’s room while you’re away.
  • Arrange for visits by people who your child knows.

• Ask relatives and friends to space their visits so they can provide relief for you.

• Make a list of specific things people can do to help so you’re ready with some alternatives when they ask.

• Take time each day just for yourself – no errands or other responsibilities.

• If you start to feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. Your child’s nurse can contact a social worker or chaplain on your behalf.

• Help your child stick to a structured daily schedule.

• Be as active in your child's care as his or her condition will allow (just ask your nurse about where to get supplies, how to negotiate past bandages and tubes, and how to help your child relax). And, try to retain as many rituals from home as possible.
  • Help to feed and bathe younger children.
  • Watch favorite TV programs together.
  • Include your hospitalized child in the same family decisions he or she would be involved in under ordinary circumstances.

• Observe usual family rules as much as possible. Keeping to familiar limits helps children feel secure.

• Bring favorite possessions from home. (Be sure to label all personal possessions with your child’s name.)

• Bring your child’s schoolwork to the hospital. Staying involved in school helps children stay in touch with life outside the hospital. Check with your school if you need to plan for tutoring. Child Life Specialists can also assist in coordinating school work and tutoring. Our schoolroom is available and equipped for small group and individual tutoring. Internet accessible computers are available.

• Help your child stay in touch with family and friends through phone calls, letter writing, photos or videos.

Encourage Children to be Children

Play and interaction with other children can be a vital part of the healing process.

• If your child’s activity is restricted, talk to a Child Life Specialist about bedside recreational activities.

• Take your child to the playroom as soon as he or she is able.

• Persuade your child to participate in activities and special programs offered by your Child Life Specialists.

• Show that you trust the doctors and nurses. Present them as people who care and are there to help.

• Prepare your child for the cross section of other patients he or she will see. Help you child understand that despite outward differences, these people are just like everyone else on the inside.

• Find ways to give your child choices. They can be as simple as:
  • A Band-Aid color or design;
  • Which arm to use for a blood pressure check;
  • A choice between taking a toy or a blanket to the treatment room;
  • Having you hold him or her during a procedure instead of a nurse.

• Older children develop a heightened need for privacy. You and the hospital staff can help by:
  • Knocking before entering your child’s room;
  • Being sensitive to who is around during procedures or examinations;
  • Designating "private times" when your child won’t be disturbed.

• Encourage older children to take responsibility for as much of their own care as possible.

• If your child shows more than normal anxiety, check with your medical team to see if they can create “safe zones” where painful procedures aren’t done.
  
  
• Share what you know about when your child can return home. Talk about what you want do together when your child leaves the hospital.