The Monkey Tree

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Tips for preparing your child for a hospital stay by Rachel Mcclain. A child would rightfully be terrified of spending a night in the hospital, let alone a week, or a month. They can be cold, sterile environments and even at their best, they are simply not as comfortable as their homes. Preparing a child for a hospital stay is imperative to making it a little more comfortable and a little less scary for them. HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT  When your child is afraid of something you talk about it, right? This is no different. The first step towards easing your child into a hospital stay is to talk to them about it in advance, when possible. Obviously, if they are having an emergency appendectomy, you won’t be able to do this. But, if they are having their tonsils out, you should be able to bring the subject up in advance. Their age will determine how far in advance you should broach the subject with them. With a younger child, you should wait until only a few days before the stay to bring it up. You don’t want a very young child agonizing over something that is ominous and very unknown to them. But, an older child should be given notice of a few weeks. They are likely understand the concept of a hospital a bit better than younger children and they will want to get their “affairs” in order. This means things like arranging homework at school or maybe feeling like they can set up having someone come in to feed their fish, taking grown up responsibility on their own. When you bring it up, make sure you are not overly serious or grave with the topic. Be casual and give them the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts on what will be happening. Children don’t always have the capacity to express how they feel, especially fear and be aware that you may see them acting out in other ways for a while. Make sure you explain appropriate ways to express their feelings. Age comes into play here too: drawing, colouring, journaling, crying, singing or just hugging can all help. Speak with the hospital admissions department about what resources are available to help you explain to them what they can expect when they check in. Hospitals offer lots of tools, like tours and films of their process or building. Your child’s nurses and doctors are often your best resource here to help answer questions that they may have. Try not to be hurt if your child feels more comfortable talking to these people either. They may feel less threatened bringing up fears and concerns to people that don’t know them. BE THE EXPERT  You have to know a lot to be a parent. You’ve fielded questions about why the sky is blue and why we can’t breathe underwater. But, your child will have a lot more questions about what is going to happen to him in the hospital. Now is not the time to make something up. You need to be the expert on what he is going to expect when he checks into that building. If you don’t know an answer, be honest about it and find out. Honesty, measured with tact is key though. Try not to scare your child. Study up on policies regarding whether or not you will be able to stay with your child. One of the first questions he is likely to have is whether or not you will be able to be with him. If you promise to never leave his side and the hospital’s visitor policy mandates that you leave at 8 p.m., you have a problem on your hands. Your next questions will probably primarily focus on procedure and pain. By the time your child checks into the hospital, you should be the expert on what procedure your child is having done. You need to know the name of the surgeon, what pain management options his doctor is planning on using and recovery times. You and your child’s doctor should have had many conversations regarding his condition and what the possible outcomes are and what should be done in the event of any variations. That way when your child throws you a million “what ifs,” you are ready. Be honest about pain and explain that everyone there is ready to help ease it and that he’ll feel better soon and that he’s going to the hospital to make his pain go away, to get better. BUT I NEED MY TEDDY That’s okay. If your sixteen year-old suddenly wants to bring his blankie, the dirty, grungy thing that’s been folded in the corner of the closet since he gave it up when he was six, let him bring it. In fact, no matter what your child’s age, it’s a good idea to bring something special from home to comfort them while they are in the hospital. Some families get creative and bring gifts for every day their child is there, making the whole occasion seem almost like a celebration. For infants, something that smells like home is a good idea. Think of a blanket or a sheet from their own crib. For younger children, they are likely to have a stuffed animal that they sleep with that they think is special. See the lists below for specific ideas of what to bring and what not to bring. WHAT IF I FORGET SOMETHING IMPORTANT? Preparing for the hospital stay itself is similar to preparing for a hospital stay as an adult, with a few minor changes. Involving your child, depending on their age, in packing might help get them excited about their stay, almost like they are going to camp. Start by getting ready for admissions, and then prepare for the stay itself. Make yourself a checklist, like the one below and tick it off before you leave. ADMISSIONS WHAT TO BRING Identification (for parent), Proof of Guardianship (if you are not a parent), Insurance Information, Any Forms Requested by Admissions, Child’s National Health Number, Referring Physician’s Information, Child’s Daily Medication (clearly labelled), Your Contact Information. COMFORTS FOR YOUR CHILD Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap) Glasses, hearing aids, other assistance devices Pyjamas Robe Slippers (with anti-slip bottoms for halls) Clothes (kids are usually encouraged to wear clothes when they feel well enough) Battery operated radios with headphones (ask first) Schoolwork for older children Books, magazines, etc for older children Infants will be provided with diapers and food but nursing mothers will need to express milk Special blanket or toy for small children and babies. COMFORTS FOR YOU Change of clothes for spending the night with your child Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap) Change for pay phone Cash for vending machines. WHAT NOT TO BRING Other children (your child needs your undivided attention) Electric Appliances Valuables Remote Control Toys Rubber or Latex Balloons Video Games. A hospital stay can be daunting for a child and a seeing a child in pain can be a heartbreaking experience for any parent. By preparing your child ahead of time, you may be able to reduce some of the stress of an experience that is sure to be trying. And, when it’s all over, make sure that there’s an extra dish of ice cream or a lollypop waiting.