Tessa Quinn
Being in the hospital can be a scary experience for children, who may feel anxious about being alone, losing control, or experiencing pain or needles. They may also fear illness and even death. Parents can play an important role in creating a positive hospital experience for their child. This can include giving hugs and kisses, bringing familiar comfort items from home, and creating a schedule or routine for consistent caregivers. It's also important to provide opportunities for play and socialization with others, as this can make the hospital environment less scary and more child-friendly. Parents should also take care of themselves by getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks when needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Play | Encourages children to focus on activity rather than illness |
| Familiar comfort items | Bring items from home, such as a blanket or stuffed animal |
| Socialization | Provide opportunities for children to socialise with others their age |
| Information | Give simple explanations of medical procedures and allow children to ask questions |
| Reassurance | Offer reassurance about feelings and emotions |
| Routine | Maintain the child's routine as much as possible |
| Support | Be patient with common responses to stress, such as temper tantrums or bedwetting |
| Self-care | Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks |
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What You'll Learn
Bring comfort items from home, such as a blanket or stuffed animal
Being in a hospital can be scary for a child, and it is important to make them feel comfortable and happy. One way to do this is by bringing comfort items from home, such as a blanket or a stuffed animal. These items can provide a sense of familiarity and security, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
When a child is in the hospital, it is important to try to maintain their regular routine as much as possible. Bringing their favourite blanket or stuffed toy from home can help create a sense of normalcy and make the hospital room feel more like their bedroom. It can also help them feel more connected to their home and family, especially if they are unable to have visitors or spend time with their parents or siblings.
Additionally, comfort items from home can provide a sense of physical comfort and security. For example, a child who is used to sleeping with a particular stuffed animal may find it easier to fall asleep at night with their favourite toy by their side. A soft, familiar blanket can also provide comfort and warmth, especially if the child is feeling unwell or is in pain.
Bringing a comfort item from home can also help a child feel more in control of their environment. When a child is in the hospital, they often have little choice over their surroundings or the procedures they undergo. Having a familiar item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, can give them a sense of autonomy and help them feel like they have some control over their space.
It is important to check with the hospital staff before bringing any items from home, as there may be restrictions or guidelines in place, especially regarding items that could pose a health risk or interfere with medical equipment. However, most hospitals understand the importance of comfort items for children and will usually accommodate such requests whenever possible.
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Provide simple explanations of procedures and offer reassurance
Hospitalization can be a stressful and scary experience for children of all ages. It is important to prepare children in advance for what they may experience in the hospital, as this will help reduce their anxiety and build trust. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in providing simple explanations of procedures and offering reassurance to hospitalized children. Here are some ways to do this:
Simple Explanations of Procedures:
When explaining medical procedures to children, use simple and honest language that they can understand. Avoid using complicated medical jargon and instead, opt for age-appropriate, straightforward explanations. For younger children, you can use picture books or medical play kits to help explain what will happen during the procedure. For instance, you can say something like, "The doctor is going to give you a shot to help you feel better. It might pinch for a second, but it will be over quickly." It is important to reassure them that any tests or procedures are done to help them get better.
Reassurance:
Reassure the child that they are not responsible for their diagnosis and that they are not being punished. Children often think in terms of cause and effect, so it is important to address any feelings of guilt or self-blame they may be experiencing. Let them know that it is okay to feel scared, sad, or angry, and that these emotions are normal. Encourage them to express their feelings and ask questions. Reiterate that you will be with them throughout the process and offer physical comfort through hugs and kisses if appropriate.
Maintaining Normalcy:
Try to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine as much as possible. Bring familiar items from home, such as their favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal. Allow them to wear their own comfortable clothes or pajamas. Encourage play and provide toys, especially medical-related play items, to help them process their hospital experience in a fun and familiar way.
Involving the Child:
Involve the child in discussions about their healthcare experience, diagnosis, and treatment whenever appropriate. Give them choices and a sense of control over certain aspects, such as packing their own suitcase or choosing their favourite things to bring to the hospital. This can help reduce feelings of fear and powerlessness.
Preparation:
Prepare the child in advance for their hospital stay. The amount of preparation time needed will depend on their age. For children under 5, talk to them a day or two before the hospitalization. Older children may need more time, ranging from a few days to a week, to process the information and ask questions. During this preparation time, encourage them to express their concerns and provide honest answers. If you don't know the answer to a question, be truthful and let them know that you will find out.
By providing simple explanations, offering reassurance, and involving the child in their care, you can help reduce their anxiety and create a more positive hospital experience.
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Maintain a sense of normalcy and routine where possible
Being in hospital can be a scary experience for children, and it can be stressful for their parents too. Maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine can help children cope with the stress of being in hospital. Here are some ways to do this:
Keep connected with familiar people
Family members and caregivers can help to maintain a child's routine while they are in hospital. If a child is used to spending time with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or babysitter, try to keep this going. This will help them to feel more connected to their everyday life.
Bring familiar items
Children can feel more comfortable if they have familiar items from home with them in hospital. This could be a favourite toy, a blanket, or a book. These items can provide comfort and security, especially during medical procedures.
Create a schedule
A schedule or routine can help children feel more settled, especially if they are in hospital for a long time. This could include regular mealtimes, playtimes, and bedtimes. If possible, try to stick to the same routine they would have at home.
Keep up with their development
Hospitalisation can disrupt a child's development, especially for toddlers who are building a sense of autonomy. Encourage them to do things on their own, and offer choices where possible. For example, they can choose which cup to drink their medicine from, or which toy to bring to the hospital.
Take care of yourself
Parents and caregivers can also help by taking care of themselves. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks. This will help you to maintain a positive attitude, which will benefit the child. It's also a good idea to connect with other parents who have gone through similar experiences.
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Encourage play and socialisation with others
Socialisation and play are incredibly important for children in hospital. Play can make the hospital environment less scary and more child-friendly, and it encourages children to focus on activity rather than their illness. Play can also be normalising, which is important for children who may be experiencing a lot of stress due to their unfamiliar surroundings.
For toddlers, it is important to encourage play and allow them to do things on their own. Toddlers are building a sense of autonomy, so giving them options and allowing them to make small choices can help with this. For instance, while taking medication may not be a choice, drinking it through a cup or syringe is. Allowing them to carry security objects, like a blanket or stuffed animal, can also help toddlers feel more comfortable.
For school-aged children, it is important to encourage them to ask questions and express concerns about their medical care. This can help alleviate fears about illness, needles, pain, and death. It is also important to provide opportunities for socialisation with their peers. This can help them feel less dependent on their family unit and more comfortable in the hospital environment.
Parents can also help to encourage play and socialisation by maintaining a positive attitude. This can be difficult, but taking care of yourself and getting enough rest can help you to maintain an upbeat attitude for your child. It is also important to remember that your own temperament can affect your child's mood. Hospitals often have resources for parents, so it is worth asking about these. For example, some hospitals have family lounges with showers and fitness centres, or they may be able to connect you with other families or support groups.
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Take care of yourself so you can stay positive for your child
Being a parent or guardian to a hospitalized child can be emotionally and physically challenging. It is important to remember that you are your child's main support in the hospital, and your child's temperament may reflect your own. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of yourself and stay positive for your child. Here are some ways to do that:
Maintain a healthy routine: Prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, and taking breaks from caregiving responsibilities. Go outside for fresh air or take some time away from the hospital if possible.
Utilize hospital resources: Hospitals often have various resources for parents and caregivers, such as family lounges, showers, or fitness centres. Don't be afraid to ask the hospital staff about available resources and how they can support you. They may even be able to connect you with other parents or support groups who have gone through similar experiences.
Outsource information sharing: Being the primary caregiver and the sole gatekeeper of information for family and friends can be overwhelming. Consider delegating the task of sharing updates to a trusted family member or friend, allowing you to focus more on your child's needs and your own well-being.
Understand your child's stress triggers: Children of different ages experience stress differently in a hospital setting. Understand the specific triggers for your child, such as separation from parents, changes in sleep and feeding patterns, or unfamiliar sights and sounds. This awareness will enable you to better support and comfort your child.
Prioritize play and normalcy: Play and normalcy are essential for all hospitalized children. Encourage your child to engage in activities, socialize with others, and continue their development while in the hospital. This can help take their focus off their illness and create a more positive hospital experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for children to feel scared or stressed when hospitalized. Here are some ways to cheer them up:
- Bring their favourite comfort items from home, such as a blanket or stuffed animal.
- Play with them, especially with medical-related toys.
- Give them hugs and kisses.
- Offer simple explanations of medical procedures and involve them in making decisions.
Maintaining a sense of normalcy is crucial for hospitalized children. Here are some suggestions to keep them entertained:
- Provide opportunities for socialization with other children their age.
- Encourage play and normal activities, such as playing in a playroom or doing bedside activities.
- Maintain their daily routine as much as possible, including their sleep and feeding patterns.
It is essential to create a positive hospital experience for your child. Here are some tips to make them feel more comfortable:
- Offer choices whenever possible, such as choosing how they want to take their medicine.
- Bring familiar items from home and create a comforting environment.
- Be patient with any temper tantrums, bedwetting, or other common responses to stress.
- Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks when needed.
It is crucial to provide emotional support to your child during their hospitalization. Here are some suggestions:
- Reassure them that they are in the hospital to get better and heal.
- Encourage them to express their feelings and emotions without judgment.
- Provide opportunities for them to ask questions and learn about their medical care.
- Maintain open communication and offer honest explanations about their condition and treatment.
