How to Comfort a Hospitalized Child

A hospitalized child is often scared, nervous, confused and filled with questions about why he is ill and why he cannot go home. Follow these steps to care for and comfort your child while he's receiving care at a hospital.

Instructions

1. Prepare your child for his hospital stay before he's admitted. Purchase some age-appropriate books on hospital visits and read them to your child so that he's ready for what's to come.

2. Inquire as to whether you can go on a guided tour of the hospital so your child can see where he will stay. The tour will allow your child to feel safer when he's admitted because he's visited the hospital ahead of time.

3. Bring your hospitalized child a favorite book or toy, and make sure he has a special comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, for cuddling when he's scared.

4. Spend as much time with your hospitalized child as you can, and plan to sleep in his room with him. Most hospitals allows parents to stay with their children around the clock, and some will even provide you with a bed on which to sleep.

5. Play your child's favorite games and sing him his favorite songs while he's in the hospital. Playing with your child will comfort him and provide him with a sense of familiarity.

6. Request that a nurse or doctor show some medical instruments to your child so he isn't afraid of them.

7. Use age-appropriate words and descriptions to tell your child about his condition and hospital stay. If he's having surgery or a procedure for which he'll receive anesthesia, ensure him that you will be near him when he wakes up.

8. Seek the help of the hospital's child psychologist if your hospitalized child becomes withdrawn, inconsolable, overanxious or stops speaking. The psychologist can offer some advice and help your child adjust to his surroundings.

Tips & Warnings

• Every child reacts differently to hospitalization. Some suffer nightmares, others have repeated tantrums, and some wet the bed. Make sure you provide your hospitalized child a lot of extra care and attention to see him through this traumatic time.

• Make certain your child understands that he is not in the hospital because he misbehaved. Tell him instead that the doctors and nurses will fix his problem and help him to feel better.

• Never allow your hospitalized child to see you upset or anxious, as this will only make him more afraid of what's happening to him.