Preparing Yourself and Your Child for Hospitalization
The role you and other family members play in your child’s treatment and recovery is essential to his or her well-being. These are some points for parents to consider.
Involve yourself, and if possible siblings, in your child’s care. It benefits everyone.
Ask questions. Be sure that you understand why your child has been hospitalized. Advocate for your child and ask questions about the medical care. Hospital staff should be available to answer your questions.
Remember your own needs. Do whatever works best for you and your child. Get enough rest and take advantage of the support services offered. You’ll be better able to cope with your child’s needs when they arise.
How to Help Your Child Feel More Comfortable and Secure
Ask your nurse about ways to personalize your child’s room.
Let the staff know about your child’s likes and dislikes, special nicknames, routines and special words.
Continue familiar routines that will bring comfort to you and your child. Blankets and favorite stuffed toys help ease many difficulties for children.
Reassure your child that the doctors and nurses are here to help him or her get well. Young children often don’t understand why they are in the hospital. This is where a Child Life Specialist can help.
Explain that nurses and doctors might wear special clothes or masks to protect your child from germs.
Communicate openly. Encourage your child to ask questions. Answer questions honestly.
Warn your child if something unpleasant will happen. Let your child know that it’s okay to be afraid.
Children have vivid imaginations. Assume your child is afraid and encourage play to help him or her express feelings.
Encourage siblings to ask questions too.
When you need to leave, avoid long good-byes. Always keep your child informed of your comings and goings.
If you are unable to visit, call frequently.
The Team Caring for your Child
In addition to the physician(s) overseeing the management of your child’s care and the staff nurses assigned to provide direct care to your child, the healthcare team may include resident physicians, medical students, respiratory therapists, child life specialists, speech and language therapists, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists, clinical resource coordinators, case managers, certified teachers and unit secretaries. See the hospital about Patient and Family Support for more information on the roles staff members play in supporting families and children.
Returning Home
When your child is ready to go home, the discharge procedure may be completed any time during the day or early evening. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing and a car seat, if age appropriate.
During the readjustment process at home, your child may:
Need time to readjust to daily routines.
Regress to a younger development level; have changes in toilet habits, cry more often, seem insecure, or have problems eating and sleeping.
Express feelings by acting out his or her hospital experiences.
These are all normal reactions to being hospitalized. Talk to your child in a comforting way about his or her experience. Be sure to acknowledge any fears or anger. It will help you and your child make a successful adjustment.
