Helping Your Child Brave a Night in the Hospital

To a child, being in a hospital is oftentimes one of the most dreaded events in his life. This is because a child usually associates the hospital with needles, tubes and strange looking apparatus that look alien and menacing. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that your child would not be traumatized by this hospital experience. How could you help your child survive a night in the hospital? Here are some pointers that would help ease the anxiety of your child:

1. Let the child know as to why he has been admitted.

Depending on the age of the child, you should explain what is wrong with him, the nature of his illness and the reason why he is being admitted.

e.g. "You are being admitted because they have to monitor your blood cell count to know if the medicine you're taking in is effective or not."

" You have to stay for the night, because they have to perform a series of blood tests so that the doctor will know what's wrong with you."

"Unless they are able to know what's wrong with you, the doctor can't cure you."

There are many more rationales that a child could understand. Focus on the benefit of the confinement.

2. Give assurance to your child

Assure the child that everything that is being done is for one important purpose - to make him well; that the doctor and the nursing aides will make sure that he is well taken cared of.

3. If allowed by the doctor, bring some books, board games or other minor activities that the child could engage in.

You may want to strengthen your bond with your child by playing with him. It does not matter what game as long as you do it together.

4. Allow your child to participate in his hospital admission

Ask his opinion; i.e. "What room do you want to stay in?"

"Would you like to be in the top floor?"

Allowing him to participate in his confinement would ease some of his stress and apprehension, because he would have some semblance of control. It is scary for a child to know that he is absolutely powerless against any procedure that would be done to him.

5. Be visible

This is the most important aspect. Being visible and physically present would do wonders to a child's anxiety. It would give him a moral boost.

Stay where your child can see you or touch you. It also sends a very clear message to your child: that he is your priority and that you love him and care enough for him to watch over him. Children usually feel safe when their parents are around.

If this is not possible, then talk to the child and assure him that you are just around, and would be there if needed.

Whatever you do, remember that a child would only be anxious and afraid if he does not know what is going on, and if he is unsure whether someone would be there for him or not.

Let your child survive his night in the hospital by being a knowledgeable and supportive parent.