A child's hospital stay can be a difficult time for the entire family. Although our experienced, compassionate physicians and staff can help ease the strain, you play a vital role in ensuring that your youngster has a positive experience. Here's how you can help:
1. Be prepared. Take care of as many obligations as you can before your child's admission, including arranging for family meals and paying bills.
2. Communicate. Discuss the hospital visit with your youngster, a few days ahead with little ones, well in advance for older children. This will help prevent or alleviate some of the behavioral changes that sometimes occur, such as bedwetting, or whining. Reading books, coloring or playing hospital are also beneficial. Above all, be honest, or your child will lose trust in you and become more fearful.
3. Get the facts, then relax. Anxiety about your child is normal. But kids are closely tuned into their parents' emotions, even as infants. Getting answers to your concerns about your child's condition and treatment will help you relax. In addition, share your thoughts and feelings with family members, friends or staff. By easing your own mind, you help your child feel calmer, too.
4. Board the Surgery Express. Surgery Express is a guided tour for children who are scheduled for surgery. Youngsters and their parents get an advance look at the pre-op and recovery areas and are introduced to staff members and equipment. A group tour meets every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. for 30-to-45 minutes, or, if necessary, a private tour can be arranged. Siblings and friends are welcome. For reservations and information, call 305-270-3675 weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
5. Address your child's fears. Many youngsters are unnerved by the unfamiliar hospital environment and routine. They wonder what will happen, where you'll be when it does, and if it will hurt. Those under age five fear that you will abandon them. School-age children are more concerned that their bodies aren't working properly and that they are different from their peers. They don't understand how something painful, like a shot, can help them get well. Some think being hospitalized is a punishment. Teens worry about looking different from their friends and losing privacy and control. In each case, if children don't volunteer these concerns, that doesn't mean they don't feel them. Bring them up and discuss them.
6. Be there. Either you or another family member should be with your child as much as possible. Make sure he or she always knows when you are coming and going. If you will be late returning, call to let your child and the staff know. Being there includes holding and talking to your child, especially infants.
7. Encourage good feelings by bringing pictures, blankets, pajamas, toys or other familiar objects to make the room feel more like home. (Anything but rubber balloons, which can be a health hazard.) Every room has a VCR, so bring along your child's favorite videotapes. You may also wish to ask the nurse to contact the Child Life Specialist, who is an excellent source of education, entertainment and comfort with toys, books and playroom activities.
8. Participate in your child's care. Ask if you can give meals or baths, or otherwise help out. You do it best!
9. Crying is okay. Reassure your child that it's okay to cry. Help him or her discover other ways to cope with fear and discomfort, such as squeezing your hand, counting to 10, or taking a deep breath. Always congratulate your children for doing well.
For more information, send an e-mail to baptistchildrens@baptisthealth.net.