Tessa Quinn
Having a child in the hospital can be a stressful, emotional, and traumatic experience for both the child and the parent or caregiver. It is important to remember that self-care is vital during this time, and one must seek support from friends, family, and the hospital community. Additionally, parents can help their children cope by providing simple explanations about the hospital stay, offering choices, and maintaining a sense of familiarity and routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Take care of yourself | Get enough rest, eat well, take breaks, get fresh air, and maintain your health. |
| Maintain a routine | Develop a daily routine and maintain your child's schedule as much as possible. |
| Seek support | Lean on friends and family, connect with other parents, and utilise hospital resources like chaplains, social workers, and psychologists. |
| Communicate | Learn as much as possible about your child's condition, ask questions, and share relevant information with the care team. |
| Empower your child | Provide simple and honest explanations, offer choices, and allow them to express their feelings. |
| Provide comfort | Bring familiar items, such as toys, blankets, or comfort objects, and spend time with your child, offering physical comfort and reassurance. |
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What You'll Learn
- Take care of yourself: Get rest, eat well, and take breaks
- Keep your child's routine: Maintain their daily schedule as much as possible
- Talk to your child: Provide simple, clear, and honest explanations about what's happening
- Connect with others: Seek support from friends, family, and other parents
- Work with hospital staff: Ask questions, voice concerns, and seek advice
Take care of yourself: Get rest, eat well, and take breaks
Having a child in the hospital is a stressful, emotional, and traumatic experience for parents and carers. It is normal to feel a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and guilt. It is important to take care of yourself, so you can effectively look after your child and feel prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
Firstly, get enough rest. Hospitals often have fold-out couches or "sleeper chairs" for visitors, and you can ask a nurse for extra pillows and blankets. Secondly, eat well. Ask the hospital staff about mealtimes and whether you can order food for delivery. Thirdly, take breaks. It is important to have short breaks to leave the ward, get fresh air, and have a shower. You can also ask about any coffee mornings or afternoon teas for parents, which can be a good opportunity to meet other parents and share experiences. Some wards have 'buddies', who are trained volunteers that can spend time with your child to give you a break.
It can be helpful to develop a daily routine, where you come to the ward at the same time each morning and plan regular breaks throughout the day. Having support from friends and family is also important. You could ask one friend or family member to be the 'link person' who can pass on information about your child's treatment to everyone else. It can also be useful to talk with other parents, either in person or online, whose children have had similar hospital experiences.
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Keep your child's routine: Maintain their daily schedule as much as possible
Having a child in the hospital can be a stressful, emotional, and traumatic experience. It is important to remember to take care of yourself as well as your child. This means getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks from the hospital to get fresh air and, if possible, some time away.
Maintaining your child's daily routine and schedule as much as possible can help with feelings of tiredness and stress. Try to arrive at the ward at the same time each morning and plan regular breaks throughout the day. Having a consistent mealtime and bedtime routine can also help. It is important to involve yourself in your child's daily care, such as washing, feeding, and playing, as much as possible. Keeping a routine that is familiar to your child will help them feel safe.
To help maintain their routine, you can ask family members or your child's usual caregivers for help. You can also speak to hospital staff for advice on the most useful daily routine. For example, they may be able to adjust the temperature, lighting, or sound in your child's room to create a calm environment.
It is also beneficial to provide simple, clear, and honest explanations to your child about their diagnosis and treatment, and include them in discussions as much as possible. Empower them to participate in age-appropriate decisions, giving them a sense of control. Reassure your child that they are not responsible for their diagnosis and that their illness is not a punishment.
Remember, you are the expert on your child. Share important information about their behavior, likes, dislikes, and what brings them comfort with the ward team.
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Talk to your child: Provide simple, clear, and honest explanations about what's happening
Having a child in the hospital can be a stressful, emotional, and traumatic experience for both the child and the parent or caregiver. It is important to take care of your own health and well-being during this time, and also to be there for your child. Here are some tips for talking to your child and providing simple, clear, and honest explanations about what is happening:
Firstly, learn as much as you can about your child's condition and treatment. Ask doctors and hospital staff how you can best prepare, so you can minimise surprises and feel more in control. This will help you to provide simple and clear explanations to your child. Use age-appropriate language and give simple, honest explanations about their diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalisation. Reassure them that they are not responsible for their diagnosis and that they did nothing wrong.
Secondly, include your child in discussions about their diagnosis and treatment as much as possible. Help them to identify and express their feelings, and let them know that it is normal to feel sad, angry, or guilty. Encourage them to ask questions and express their concerns. You could suggest writing or drawing as a way to process their thoughts and emotions.
Thirdly, maintain as much of your child's daily routine as possible. This can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort during a time of uncertainty. Allow time for play, and provide choices whenever possible. For example, "You must take your medicine, would you like it mixed with applesauce or pudding?"
Finally, comfort your child when they are upset or afraid. Provide their favourite toys, blankets, or other comfort objects. You can also sing to them or give them a hug. Let them know that you will be by their side and involve them in decisions where appropriate.
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Connect with others: Seek support from friends, family, and other parents
Having a child in the hospital can be a stressful, emotional, and traumatic experience. It is important to seek support from friends and family, as well as other parents who have had similar experiences.
Firstly, it is important to recognise that you do not have to go through this alone. Friends and family can provide a vital support network during this difficult time. They can offer emotional support, practical help, and simply be a listening ear when you need to talk. If you are far from home, phone calls, texts, social media, and video calls can help you stay connected and feel less isolated. If you are close by, they can help with practical tasks such as bringing you food, doing your laundry, or even just providing a change of scenery and a chance to get some fresh air.
Secondly, consider reaching out to other parents who have gone through similar experiences. Your medical team may be able to connect you with another family or refer you to a support group. Hearing firsthand accounts and learning how other parents coped can be incredibly reassuring and help you feel less alone. Online support groups and forums are also a good option if you are unable to connect with people in person.
Thirdly, remember to take care of yourself. It is easy to neglect your own needs when your child is in the hospital, but self-care is crucial. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough rest, and taking regular breaks. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, or even take a few hours away from the hospital if possible. Taking care of yourself will help you stay strong and positive, which is important for both you and your child.
Lastly, if you have other children, it is important to consider their needs as well. It can be helpful to enlist the support of friends and family to help care for your other children while you are at the hospital. This will allow you to focus on your hospitalised child while knowing that your other children are being well cared for.
Remember, seeking support from friends, family, and other parents can provide you with a valuable support system during this challenging time. You don't have to go through it alone, and it is important to lean on your loved ones and allow them to help you in any way they can.
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Work with hospital staff: Ask questions, voice concerns, and seek advice
When your child is in the hospital, it is crucial to work closely with the hospital staff and actively participate in their care. Here are some strategies to help you effectively collaborate with the hospital staff:
Ask questions and seek information:
As a parent or caregiver, you are the expert on your child. Share important information about your child's preferences, behaviour, and comfort measures with the hospital staff. Asking questions is essential to understanding your child's condition, treatment plan, and care routine. Don't hesitate to inquire about anything that concerns you, no matter how trivial it may seem. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to support your child.
Voice your concerns:
If you have any worries or uncertainties about your child's care, don't keep them to yourself. Hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, are there to support you and your child. Share your concerns with them, whether they are about your child's diagnosis, treatment options, or any potential risks. They can provide clarity, address your worries, and make adjustments as necessary.
Seek advice and support:
Hospital staff can provide valuable advice and guidance on various aspects of your child's care and your own well-being. For instance, they can offer suggestions on creating a calming environment for your child by adjusting lighting, temperature, or introducing familiar objects. They can also connect you with support services within the hospital, such as chaplains, social workers, and psychologists, who can assist with specific concerns like religious support, financial issues, or anxiety management.
Collaborate on decisions:
Collaborating with hospital staff on decisions regarding your child's care can help ensure that your child's unique needs are met. This includes decisions about daily routines, treatment preferences, and any cultural or religious considerations. Remember that you are an integral part of your child's care team, and your input is valuable.
Stay informed about your own health:
Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your child. Speak to hospital staff about your own health needs, especially if you have specific concerns or require support. They can provide guidance, connect you with local resources, or refer you to a local GP if needed. Remember, your well-being is crucial to staying resilient and present for your child.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, remember that being in hospital can be scary for a child, so give them clear and honest explanations about their diagnosis, treatment and hospitalisation. Reassure them that they are not responsible for their diagnosis and that they did nothing to cause their illness. Allow them to express their feelings and provide comfort objects, like a favourite toy. You can also help them feel more in control by allowing them to participate in age-appropriate decisions, such as which ear the doctor looks in first.
It's important to take care of yourself as well as your child. Make sure you get enough rest, eat well and take breaks from your caregiver role. If you are staying in the hospital, ask about sleep and food, and bring things from home that will make you more comfortable, like extra blankets. It can also be helpful to talk with other parents who have had similar experiences.
A hospital room can be overstimulating, so try adjusting the temperature, lighting, smell or sound with the help of staff. Bringing familiar things like blankets, a sound machine, or toys can also help your child feel safe.
As soon as you know your child will be hospitalised, ask your doctors how you can best prepare. Learning as much as possible will help you minimise surprises, which can be distressing. It can also help to develop a daily routine, where you come to the ward each morning at the same time and plan regular breaks throughout the day.
