Kids & Parenting

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Preparing Your Child for a Hospital Stay


As a parent of a child born with congenital heart disease, I know that hospital stays can be the most frightening experience a child will ever face. It is never easy to be in a hospital setting, but a few preparations can make it better for you and your child. Her are few suggestions that helped us “enjoy” our visits.


Before your visit:

1. If at all possible make sure your child has met and talked with their doctor. Depending on their age, it might be helpful for the doctor to explain what you and your child can expect. If your child is too young you can tell them what you feel is right. I found telling my daughter a day or so before we went in was better than a week. The sooner they know the sooner they start to worry. That being said; it doesn’t mean to spring it on them the morning they are to go in.


2. Before you arrive call the hospital and ask to speak with a patient advocate.
If problems arise during your stay they are the ones who can help. Make sure that a parent or someone you and your child trust stays by his/her side throughout their stay in the hospital. Only you know what will sooth your child and the doctors or nurses might need to ask you questions throughout the day. You must remember that your child is counting on you to get them through this. So, if something doesn’t feel right to you or your child needs something to make their stay easier –speak up; that not to say that you should be Cruella Devil, but don’t be milli- mouse either. Ask politely and if need be firmly. One night when my daughter was having a particularly rough time, a nurse came in to draw blood. He was inexperienced and causing her pain. I told him that he needed to stop and give her a break. I asked him to send someone in much later that knew how to do this well. He was polite and followed my request.


3. If you are concerned about where you might sleep the waiting room is an option though most hospitals will find a place for you to sleep if you tell them you are staying. We slept in an empty patient’s room when our daughter was in the PICU and then in her room when she went to the floor. Each hospital is different that is when a social worker or patient advocate comes in.


4. Pack a trust friend/ stuffed animal and ask that the nurse put a wristband (like the one your child is wearing) with all your information. This serves two purposes 1. If the animal gets lost it can be returned and 2. Your child will not be the only one staying in the hospital for a visit.


5. Pack a small CD player that runs on batteries and CDs to play soft and soothing music ( Scripture tunes, Nature sounds , a book on CD anything that will help settle your child’s nerves)


6. Make sure you have chapstick, hand cream and gum. Hospitals are very dry.


7. Anything you bring with you put a return address sticker on it.


8. Bring your child’s favorite DVDs to watch and be prepared to view them again and again! Pack nothing scary. Things that aren’t frightening at home can bring bad dreams in a hospital.


During your stay:

1. If the hospital has Child life specialist make sure your child meets them .They are there to help you and your child overcome your fears through the use of games and toys. They are Wonderful!


2. If your child becomes afraid every time they see a “white coat” you might politely ask the doctors to remove their coat while examining your child. It worked for us.


3. Family and Friends can be a blessing. They can entertain your child for a short while you go get something to eat. Remember to bring back something small for your child from the gift store or pack dollar store items to give them only to play with you relatives when you take a break.


4. Don’t allow well wishers to out stay their welcome. Make sure you and your child get your rest or you will be up with a cranky kid when you need your sleep the most. You could just politely say “Thank you so much for spending time with us. I hate to cut this visit short but, Johnny needs his rest. Maybe, we could get together when he comes home.”


5. Find out how long your child will most likely be in the hospital and make a calendar together that your child can check off each day. If the doctor says three days make it four and if you go home in three you can celebrate; but if you have to stay four and you told your child three they are going to be disappointed.


Remember to bring your Bible. This was the one thing that brought us comfort in our most trying days. Try and keep you sense of humor when things get tough. Remember this could be a time of great discovery and a chance to build a closer relationship with your child. Take care and God Bless.

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