Things You'll Need:
- Patience
- Confidence
- Internet for research
- Your own support group
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Step 1
Do your homework. As a parent, it is important to do your homework regarding well or sick-child visits. Know what to expect at your child's next visit. For example, if vaccinations are scheduled for his or her upcoming check-up, read medical journals or brochures with information discussing the benefits and/or adverse reactions. If your child is sick, document his or her symptoms so when you do visit the doctor, you will be able to clearly communicate this information. In the case of hospitalization, a lot can happen very quickly, therefore making it difficult or impossible to do homework prior to the visit. It's not too late. Get on your computer or head to the hospital's computer lab to do research. Talk to the doctors and nurses. It doesn't seem fair that as a parent you should have to do research, but the reality is we live in an ever-changing world of health, and no two bodies are alike.
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Step 2
Ask questions. It's true, doctors are busy and have very full schedules, often resulting in quick and hurried visits. However, your time and your child's health is just as important as a schedule to be kept. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. When it comes to the health and wellness of your child, there are no dumb questions. If you don't understand something, perhaps terminology or a proposed course of action, ask "Why?". It is not disrespectful to ask "Why?". Remember, however, that doing your homework first may eliminate some of your questions, giving you confidence that you know what is going on with your child's health.
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Step 3
Be strong and know what you want. This step may require you to enlist your own advocate or support group. Most hospitals have patient advocates. Making decisions about your child's health and wellness may very well be the most emotional situation you ever face. Don't face it alone. If your physician is referring your child to a specialist for further testing or investigation, make sure the specialist is qualified and respected among his or her peers. If you feel uneasy about a procedure the specialist wants to do, tell them and ask them if the benefits outweigh the harm. It is not disrespectful to ask for a second opinion, either. Your child is trusting you to make wise decisions with their best interest in mind. You need to know what you want, and if they are old enough, respect your child's wishes to hear what they want.
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Step 4
Love and snuggle your child. This step may seem out of place from the suggestions above, but remember, your pursuit for answers and solutions is a result of your child's health that is in question. Your child may be afraid. Yes, he or she needs a medical advocate, but you are first and foremost their loving parent. Assure your child as their parent that you are there for them, you love them, and that your hugs and comfort will get you all through these trials together.
Comments
donzie-bright said
on 3/30/2009 Great info. 5*
mralarcon said
on 3/28/2009 Good info thanks
moonlitcrystal said
on 3/26/2009 Unfortunately my childhood was filled with hospitals. I practically lived at Johns Hopkins for the first 2 years of my life, and had many more hospital visits while growing up. I am in my mid-20's and I'm proud to say I have survived 10 surgeries. Having a child with medical issues is one of the scariest things a family can go through, but I'm glad that my parents loved me and supported me through it all. Even if that meant saying "no" to a procedure, demanding a different doctor/nurse, or driving 1.5 hours to the hospital every single day after work. Thank you for writing this.
johngalt310 said
on 3/25/2009 Very detailed and excellent article. This is an article that needed to be written.
vlhammett said
on 3/24/2009 Great advice. Helping a child through medical situations is very trying on parents and children. Everyone is scared. 5* and recommend