Whether your child has a chronic condition or needs minor surgery, a stay in the hospital can be scary. There are different noises, strange people, other sick kids, and the food isn’t always as good as mom’s. So how do you prepare your child for her stay at the hospital, whether it’s overnight or for two weeks? Here are some ideas:
1 Talk about the hospital in the weeks or days leading up to the visit. Tell your child why it is important and necessary that she goes.
2 Visit the hospital and take a tour of the area where your child will be staying. This will give her an idea of what to expect and will make her surroundings less intimidating and strange once she has checked in.
3 Let her know that all of the doctors and nurses are there to help her and that they won’t be doing any tests unless they are necessary.
4 Explain that there will be other children there who are sick and may have special equipment like oxygen tanks. Talk about how these devices are helping the children to get healthy and if she sees anything that scares her, she should ask you about it.
5 Tell her that someone will be with her at all times. Explain that you will be there with her as much as possible, but on certain days or at certain times her grandmother, grandfather, aunt, or uncle will be there with her.
6 If she can have visitors, talk to her best friend’s parents about making a visit.
7 Let her pack her suitcase with you and let her help decide which clothes and PJs to bring.
8 Let her bring her favorite books, toys or stuffed animals to help her feel secure.
9 Include the rest of the family in your conversations about the hospital, especially siblings, so that their fears are calmed as well.
10 Remind her that when her hospital stay is over, she will be feeling better and you can all celebrate as a family.