Key Information for Your Child's Stay
helping your child cope
What You Can Do
A hospital stay can be scary for your child. They might be confused, uncomfortable or in pain. It can be hard to know what you should say or do to help your child feel better. It’s important to comfort your child while being honest about what will happen. Here’s what you can do:
- Hold or touch your child.
Your child may hurt or be uncomfortable, so try to give loving touches often. Ask the nurse if you’re able to hold your child.
- Bring favorite items from home. A special blanket or stuffed animal can give some extra comfort. Ask the nurse if your child is allowed to play with toys.
- Give your child choices.
With testing and treatments, your child may not feel in control. Try to give your child choices when you can, like what to have for dinner or which arm to have blood drawn from.
- Encourage your child’s strengths. Your child may feel down about his or her condition or illness. Praise your child for what he or she is doing well.
Click here for a list of age-specific comfort tips.
Talk to Your Child Honestly
- Tell your child what will happen next.
Prepare your child for any tests or procedures coming up. When you’re explaining, think about your child’s age and understanding. A child life specialist can help you explain with age-appropriate descriptions.
- Answer questions as best you can.
If your child has a question and you don’t know the answer, don’t make it up. Ask your child’s nurse or doctor—and try to include your child in conversations with the care team.
- Be honest about pain. If a procedure or treatment is going to hurt, tell your child. Being honest will help your child get ready for it, and they will trust you. Hold your child’s hand and say it will be okay. If you are uncertain about how to talk about pain, ask your nurse about talking to a child life specialist.
- Allow your child to express anger or sadness.
Listen to your child, and explain that their feelings are okay. If your child’s feelings are worrying you, ask your nurse about talking to a child life specialist.
Keeping Up With School
If your child has a long hospital stay, a member of your child's care team may suggest continuing their education at the hospital. The Child and Family Services team will partner closely with your child’s doctor to provide guidance on how to proceed.
Try Relaxation Exercises
Your child may feel stress, pain or anxiety during their hospital stay. Relaxation exercises—like deep breathing, mindfulness and guided imagery—can improve symptoms and help your child feel more confident. Ask your child's care team for more information.
Support for Siblings
For information about helping children cope with a sibling’s hospital stay, click here.