Jordan Ellis
Keeping kids entertained during a hospital stay can be challenging, but play and recreation are vital to normal childhood development. It is important to ensure kids have an outlet to express themselves and cope with anxiety. Luckily, there are many ways to keep kids entertained, from bringing their favourite toys, stuffed animals, dolls, books, board games, and craft activities, to utilising the child life department at the hospital for suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Play and recreation | Help children learn, master experiences, express themselves, cope with anxiety, create, achieve, and develop skills |
| Therapeutic play | Facilitates expression, coping, and mastery of the healthcare experience |
| Toys | Help calm the mind and reduce stress |
| Games | Board games, card games, video games, word games, guessing games, etc. |
| Art projects | Scratch-off art books, beaded bracelets, friendship bracelets, loom for weaving pot holders, Play-Doh, etc. |
| Reading materials | Comic books, fairy tales, activity books, magazines, puzzle books, etc. |
| Audio | Audiobooks, podcasts, music |
| Visual | Movies, TV shows |
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What You'll Learn
Board games, card games, and puzzles
When it comes to board games, there are several classic options that are perfect for playing in a hospital setting. Candyland, for instance, is a colourful game that's easy to learn and can be played by children of all ages. Chutes and Ladders is another excellent choice, as is Memory, a game that helps develop memory skills and concentration. If you're looking for something more challenging, you might try Monopoly or a strategy game like chess. These games are a great way to pass the time and can be played with siblings, friends, or family members.
Card games are always a winner, especially for school-aged children and older. They're easy to pack and can be played with a standard deck of cards. Some popular options include Go Fish, War, King's Corner, and Crazy 8s. Card games are interactive and engaging, providing hours of entertainment for children during their hospital stay.
Puzzles offer another excellent way to keep children occupied in the hospital. They can be almost meditative, as children focus on solving the puzzle, leaving less room for stressful or anxious thoughts. While traditional jigsaw puzzles might be challenging in a hospital setting due to space constraints and the risk of losing pieces, there are many other types of puzzles to choose from. Word puzzles, for example, can be easily packed and shared between children. Alternatively, you can opt for virtual jigsaw puzzles on a tablet, which provide the same benefits without the hassle of physical pieces.
Additionally, you can turn eating into a fun game by involving quarters and dice. This simple activity can add an element of playfulness to snack time and keep children engaged during their hospital stay.
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Arts and crafts
Firstly, consider the space available. Large jigsaw puzzles, for example, can be hard to manage in a hospital room, and it is easy to lose pieces. However, virtual jigsaw puzzles can be a good alternative. Simple card games, board games, and puzzles are a good option, as are downloadable games and apps.
For arts and crafts, plain paper, crayons, markers, and pencils are a good starting point. These allow children to draw and sketch, expressing themselves creatively. Completed drawings can be hung up to make the room feel more homely. Colouring books and silly putty are also good, low-mess options. Painting is another creative outlet, but be mindful of the potential mess and opt for acrylic paints if possible. Playdough is another fun, low-mess option that allows children to create shapes and figures.
For older children, scratch art and mosaic kits are a good choice. Mosaic kits can be worked on in bits, which means they can be picked up and put down between tests and other hospital activities. Mosaic kits with stickers also avoid the mess and safety issues associated with glue.
For younger children, consider TP roll crafts. These can be simple and fun, such as making a TP roll doctor, patient, or family member. You can paint the roll and add fabric and pipe cleaners for arms. This is a great way to make the hospital experience less scary.
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Audiobooks, podcasts, and music
Audiobooks are a great way to keep kids entertained in the hospital. They can help children escape into another world, even if only for a few moments. Audiobooks are also a low-cost and easily accessible distraction technique, helping to reduce fear and anxiety in children. If you're looking for age-appropriate audiobooks for kids, you can find a variety of options online or at your local library. You can even ask a hospital-based literacy specialist for recommendations.
Podcasts are another excellent option to keep kids engaged and entertained during a hospital stay. Depending on your child's age, you can explore entertaining podcasts for kids of all ages, including meditation podcasts that can help relieve stress.
Music is often familiar and comforting to children, especially when they are in an unfamiliar environment like a hospital. Bringing their favourite music can help them feel more at ease and provide a sense of familiarity. Music can also be a great way to lift their spirits and create a positive atmosphere. If your child is feeling up for it, you can even have a dance party in their hospital room!
In addition to audiobooks, podcasts, and music, you can also bring other familiar items, such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and their favourite toys. These items can provide comfort and help your child feel more at home during their hospital stay.
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Dressing up and role-playing
Play and recreation are vital for children's development, enabling them to learn, express themselves, and cope with anxiety. Dressing up and role-playing are excellent ways to entertain kids in the hospital, providing a fun and imaginative outlet for them to explore and process their healthcare experiences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Dressing Up:
- Hats, masks, and stick-on moustaches can be great for dressing up and can often be found in charity shops.
- Look for simple dress-up books with stick-on clothes that can be easily transported and used in a hospital setting.
- Bring along their favourite dress-up costumes to encourage imaginative play.
Role-Playing:
- Set up a play hospital or doctor's office with a waiting room, reception desk, exam room, and other hospital areas.
- Use blankets, doctor's outfits, dolls, teddy bears, and a doctor's pretend play kit to create a hospital scenario.
- Include real-life elements such as surgical gloves, bandages, plasters, and dressings to make it more engaging and educational.
- Introduce writing opportunities by asking patients to check-in and write their names on a list.
- Provide a prescription pad for writing "real" prescriptions, adding to the context-led learning.
- Use a toy stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and other medical supplies to give patients a thorough medical exam.
- Include syringes, cotton balls, and strips of cloth to simulate cleaning wounds and giving injections.
- Hang up real or printed X-ray images to spark interest and discussion about medical procedures.
- Add hospital ID bracelets, prescription pads, and a computer to a desk area to enhance the role-play experience.
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Video games and apps
Video games can be a great way to entertain children in hospitals. They can provide a distraction from the child's illness or treatment, help reduce anxiety and stress, and offer a sense of normalcy and fun. Gaming systems like the Fully Loaded Electronics Arcade II mobile gaming cart can be shared among multiple rooms or departments, providing entertainment for several patients. These systems can be loaded with age-appropriate games for kids and teens, and can even include movies to provide comfort and entertainment for the whole family.
Video game systems can be installed in waiting rooms or playrooms, offering instant entertainment for children and their families. They can also be a great way for children to bond and play with their parents, siblings, or other visitors. Child Life Specialists have reported that preloaded video game systems have led to better experiences and higher patient satisfaction scores.
In addition to gaming consoles, tablets can also provide endless entertainment possibilities, from movies and TV shows to video games and apps. For example, the Pepi Hospital: Learn & Care app allows children to explore a kids-friendly medical centre, becoming doctors, nurses, patients, or curious explorers. They can create their own stories, discover various rooms and equipment, and interact with colourful and unique characters.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to entertain your child in the hospital without relying on screens. For example, you could bring their favourite toys, such as a stuffed animal or doll, or a Lego set. Alternatively, you could bring some books, comics, or activity books such as colouring or sticker books.
If you're happy for your child to use a screen, they could watch movies or TV shows, play video games, or use an iPad. You could also set up video calls with friends and family to help them stay connected and give them something to look forward to.
Creative activities such as Play-Doh, model magic, art projects, or journal writing can help your child express themselves and process their emotions. You could also bring some dress-up clothes and accessories for them to play with.
There are many simple games you can play with your child in the hospital, such as board games, card games, or verbal/word games. If your child enjoys puzzles, you could bring a Rubik's cube or a small jigsaw puzzle, but be careful not to bring anything too large or complicated as space may be limited.
It's important to find ways to help your child adapt to the healthcare experience and express their feelings. You can observe their play to learn about their feelings and concerns. Try to create a visually stimulating environment with mirrors, mobiles, and colourful toys. You can also bring familiar objects such as blankets, pillows, or music to make them feel more comfortable.
