How to Prepare Your Child for a Hospital Visit

When you get the news that your child needs to spend time in the hospital, you will undoubtedly have your own concerns, but it's important not to overlook your child's emotions during this stressful time. Your child's age affects how he understands and deals with a hospital stay, but most children have the same general concerns. While you want to protect him from unnecessary worry, you should also be direct and answer any concerns or questions he may have.

Things You'll Need

  • Stuffed animal or blanket

Instructions

    • 1

      Conduct research and talk to your child's doctor on your own so you understand her condition and the medical procedure she will undergo. A thorough background in the subject makes it easier to discuss.

    • 2

      Encourage your child to ask questions. If you can't answer him, tell him you will find out the answer, then get in touch with his medical team or bring a list of questions to your next appointment.

    • 3

      Plan a quiet, calm time to talk about the hospitalization with your child. If she is younger than 5, a day or two in advance is fine. An older child may want a longer period of time to think about and get comfortable with the idea.

    • 4

      Reassure your child that he will never be alone. Explain visiting hours, when his grandparents or others may come to see him. Let him know where you will be the whole time. Some hospitals will allow you to remain with your child the entire stay, while others have more restrictive hours. Make sure he understands that doctors, nurses and other health care workers are always available and how to call for help.

    • 5

      Bring a familiar comfort item from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This item can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity for your child, making the hospitalization easier, according to Duke Children's Hospital. Ask her to help choose what she would like to bring.

    • 6

      Practice methods of dealing with pain to get through the recovery period. Even young children can learn to take deep breaths, which will help them relax, by mimicking you. Quietly listening to music or sitting in your lap while you describe a place or activity that your child enjoys are also effective methods of dealing with pain, according to Duke Children's Hospital. Perform these activities a few times before the hospitalization so he will be familiar with them during the recovery period.

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