Ethan Rhodes
Visiting policies for children in hospitals have changed over the years, with some hospitals restricting children under 12 from entering the OB floor or the hospital in general. However, more recently, hospitals have adopted more flexible policies, allowing children to visit at any time. When it comes to toddlers visiting a parent in the hospital, it is important to prepare them for what they will see and hear. This includes explaining the purpose of medical equipment and machines in simple terms and addressing any emotions that may arise. Ultimately, the decision to have a toddler visit should be made by the child, taking into account their comfort level and the patient's condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of the child | The older the child, the more details you may have to give them about the hospital environment and the patient's condition. |
| Child's emotions | Acknowledge the child's emotions and let them know that it's okay to feel happy or sad, and to cry if they want to. |
| Child's decision | Leave the decision to visit up to the child. Some children may want to wait a few days before visiting. |
| Child's preparation | Prepare the child for what they will see and hear at the hospital. Take pictures of the hospital room, machines, and the patient, and explain what each machine is used for in simple terms. |
| Entertainment | Encourage the child to bring a "hospital bag" with toys, movies, or activities to keep them busy during the visit. |
| Patient's appearance | Explain to the child that the patient may look different but assure them that it is still the same person on the inside. |
| Patient's responsiveness | Let the child know that the patient may not respond as they usually do due to their condition or medication. |
| Privacy | Consider the patient's need for privacy, especially if they are a new mother recovering from childbirth and bonding with their baby. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your child for what they will see and hear in the hospital
Preparing your toddler to visit you in the hospital involves readying them for what they will see and hear in the hospital environment. Here are some ways to do this:
Discuss the Hospital Environment
Explain to your toddler that hospitals have unique sights, sounds, and smells that can be overwhelming. Describe the hospital room, mentioning the machines and equipment present. You can also take pictures of the room, the machines, and yourself (if you are the patient) to show them. This visual aid can help them familiarize themselves with the setting and reduce potential fear or anxiety.
Explain the Purpose of Medical Equipment
Provide simple explanations about the purpose of each machine and device. For example, you can say, "The computer on the wall is checking on my heart to make sure it's strong." Or, "That tube is helping me breathe and get the medicine I need." This helps your toddler understand that the equipment is there to help and support you.
Address Emotional Reactions
Prepare your toddler for the possibility of seeing you or another loved one looking different or unwell. Explain that the person may not act or respond as they usually do but reassure them that it's still the same person on the inside. Let them know that it's okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, worry, or even happiness. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotional responses.
Encourage Questions and Provide Reassurance
Throughout the process, encourage your toddler to ask questions. Address any fears or concerns they may have and provide reassurance. Let them know that hospitals are places where people go to get better and that they will be surrounded by caring doctors and nurses. Reassure them that you will be there with them during the visit and that their presence is bringing joy and comfort to you.
Bring Familiar Items
Suggest that your toddler packs a "hospital bag" with their favourite toys, books, or activities. Familiar items can provide comfort and help distract them if they feel anxious or bored during the visit. It gives them a sense of control and can make the hospital stay feel less intimidating.
Remember, the level of detail you provide will depend on your toddler's age and level of understanding. Adapt the explanations and descriptions to their cognitive level, using simple language that they can grasp.
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Helping your child manage their emotions
A hospital can be a scary place for a child, with its unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Here are some ways to help your toddler manage their emotions if they are visiting you in the hospital:
Prepare them for what they will see and hear
Take pictures of the hospital room, the machines, and the person they are going to see. Explain to them what each machine is used for in simple terms. For example, "The computer on the wall is monitoring grandma's heart." This will help to reduce any fear or anxiety they may feel about the unknown.
Acknowledge their emotions
Let your toddler know that it is okay to feel however they are feeling. They may be happy, sad, or scared, and it's important that they understand that all of these emotions are valid. Let them know that it's okay to cry if they feel like it. Crying is a healthy way of coping with difficult emotions.
Leave the decision up to them
Some children may feel more comfortable waiting a few days before visiting, or they may not want to visit at all. It's important to respect their wishes and let them decide when and if they want to visit. This gives them a sense of control and can help reduce any anxiety they may be feeling.
Explain any changes
If the person they are visiting may look or behave differently from what they are used to, prepare your toddler for this. Explain to them in age-appropriate language that even though their loved one may look different, it is still the same person on the inside. This can help reduce any fear or confusion they may feel.
Keep them busy
Encourage your toddler to bring a "hospital bag" with their favourite toys, books, or activities to keep them occupied during the visit. This can help take their mind off any difficult emotions they may be experiencing and make the experience less overwhelming.
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Making a hospital bag for entertainment
If you are preparing for a hospital stay and want to make a hospital bag for your toddler's entertainment, here are some suggestions for what to include:
Firstly, it is important to prepare your toddler for what they will see and hear when they come to the hospital. You can do this by explaining to them what different machines are used for and why the patient may look and behave differently. You can also take pictures of the hospital room, the machines, and the patient to show them beforehand.
In terms of specific items to include in the hospital bag, consider adding some of their favourite toys, books, or stuffed animals. Familiar objects can provide comfort and reassurance during their visit. You could also pack colouring books, crayons, and stickers, as these can be engaging and help keep your toddler occupied. If your toddler enjoys technology, bring a tablet or handheld game device with headphones. You can also include their personal phone or laptop, but remember to check with the hospital staff before plugging anything in.
Some other suggestions are snacks (with prior approval from the patient's physician), craft projects, and puzzles. If your toddler is particularly attached to a security item, such as a blanket or pacifier, make sure to pack that as well. Additionally, you may want to bring some items for yourself, such as nursing pads, a hairbrush, toothbrush, and other toiletries.
Remember to involve your toddler in the process of packing the bag. This can help them feel more involved and excited about their upcoming visit to the hospital.
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Explaining why the patient may look and act differently
It is important to prepare your child for what they will see and hear when they visit the hospital. The older the child, the more details you may need to give them. Explain to them what the different machines are used for in simple terms that they can understand. For example, "The computer on the wall is monitoring grandma's heart." or "The machine is helping grandma to breathe and makes a little noise when it works. It's okay when it beeps because the nurse and doctor are watching the computer to make sure everything is working well."
You should also explain to the child why the patient may not respond in the way they usually do and may look different. Let them know that even though their loved one may look different, it is still the same person on the inside. For example, "The tube in grandma's nose is helping to give her food because she's not awake enough to eat right now." or "Grandma has a tube in her mouth to help her breathe. The doctor is giving her medicine that makes her really sleepy so her brain can rest."
If you know that your loved one will start looking better in a few days, you may want to suggest that the child waits to visit until then, especially if there are a lot of tubes or swelling. If the loved one is not expected to recover, prepare your child for this and ask them if they still want to visit and say goodbye.
It is important to acknowledge your child's emotions and let them know that it is okay to feel however they are feeling. Crying is a means of coping, and it is okay to cry.
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Deciding whether to leave the choice to visit up to the child
When deciding whether to leave the choice to visit up to your toddler, it's important to consider their emotional well-being and their understanding of the situation. Here are some factors to think about:
Age and Maturity
The age and maturity level of your toddler play a crucial role in deciding whether to leave the choice to them. Older children may have a better understanding of illness, hospitals, and the emotional aspects of visiting. They may be more equipped to process the experience and make an informed decision about whether they want to visit.
Emotional Preparedness
Consider your toddler's emotional state and their ability to cope with seeing you in the hospital. Hospitals can be overwhelming for young children, especially if they witness medical procedures and equipment or see you in a vulnerable state. Explain what they might see and hear using age-appropriate language. Let them know it's okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, or even happiness.
Providing Reassurance
If your toddler chooses to visit, prepare them in advance by explaining why you are in the hospital and what changes they might notice in your appearance or behaviour. Reassure them that even if you look or act differently, you are still the same person inside. Explain the presence of any medical equipment and machines, and how they are helping you get better. You can even suggest creating a special "hospital bag" for your toddler, containing their favourite toys, books, or activities to help keep them occupied and comforted during the visit.
Respecting Their Decision
It's important to respect your toddler's decision, whether they choose to visit or not. Some children may feel more comfortable waiting a few days or may prefer not to visit at all. Allow them to make the choice that feels right for them, and avoid pressuring or coercing them into visiting if they are hesitant. Remember, each child is unique, and their response to the idea of visiting will vary.
Alternative Options
If your toddler chooses not to visit or is unable to do so, consider alternative ways for them to feel involved and connected. For example, they could send drawings or letters to you in the hospital. You could also suggest video calls or regular phone calls as a way for them to see and speak with you during your hospital stay.
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Frequently asked questions
It is ultimately up to you and your toddler. If you are the patient, consider whether you are comfortable having your toddler see you in the hospital. If you are the parent or guardian, consider whether your toddler is comfortable with the idea of visiting the hospital and seeing you in that setting.
Explain to them what they will see and hear when they come to the hospital. You can take pictures of the hospital room, the machines, and the patient, and explain what each machine is used for in simple terms.
Prepare a "hospital bag" with toys, movies, or activities to keep them busy during the visit. Also, be mindful of the patient's condition and comfort level with having a toddler in the room.
Visiting a loved one in the hospital may bring up emotions for the toddler. It is important to acknowledge and validate their feelings, whether they feel happy, sad, or scared. Let them know that it is okay to cry or express their emotions.
Some hospitals may have age restrictions for visitors, especially in certain wards like the OB floor. Check with the specific hospital to understand their policies on toddler visits and any restrictions or requirements they may have.
