Helping Your Child Survive a Night in the Hospital

Spending a night in the hospital can be trying for any parent. Most children will be fine and make it through the night, with very little or no trauma to the child. With a few things to make him or her more comfortable, being in the hospital shouldn't be a major ordeal. Packing familiar items from home can help, such as the child's blanket, pillow and favorite stuffed animal. Make sure that the hospital staff is prepared for you to spend the night with your child. Most hospitals now provide a bed and meals for a parent in the pediatric ward. Bring a video game for you and or your child to play to keep him or her occupied. New books or coloring books and crayons would be something to keep your child entertained. Bring his or her favorite pajamas and undies, slippers and a robe. Purchase a new game to play with the child. Having something new to do with the parent/s can help a child to forget that he or she is in the hospital. Keeping a child busy when in the hospital can be a challenge. Some hospitals will have a DVD player and or video games that can be brought into the child's room, but if the family has a game system that allows DVDs to play as well, the parent may want to bring one from home, so children who are in the hospital who do not have access to one can use those on hand at the hospital. Most hospitals will also have a play room, if the child is not too ill, and is not contagious, he or she can go and check out the playroom with the parent/s to help keep the child busy.

If the child wakes in the night, the parent should not worry about taking the child into the bed with him or her. The child will be more comfortable, if the parent tries to do whatever would have happened at home. Bring some familiar snacks and drink boxes for the child, if the child is allowed to eat and drink while at the hospital. If the child is having a procedure that requires the child not to eat or drink until after the procedure, save the treats until after the procedure. Do not let the child know the treats are in the room until after the procedure, this will avoid a possible tantrum or other confusion of the child. Try to keep the child as close to his or her normal schedule as possible. If nap the child's time is at 2 p. m, for example, then try to lay the child down for his or her nap at 2 p. m. Try to keep meals as close to time as possible at home as well, although this may be difficult with the hospital's meal schedule. Trying to keep the child on his or her schedule will help the child to feel that things are more normal, and should make the hospital stay easier on the child and parents.

Parents should be sure to let the child know that the parent/s will be there every possible minute with the child. If the child must go to surgery, be sure to explain that the parent/s will be at the hospital the entire time the child is in surgery. Be sure to let the child know that the parent will be with him or her until the child goes into surgery. Also explain that the parent/s will be there with the child, when he or she wakes up. Many times, children have a fear of the parent/s leaving him or her at the hospital forever. Explain to the child the surgery or procedure is necessary for his or her health, and nothing will be done, except the surgery, which the parent does not know about and give permission for. Younger children may be afraid that something will be done to change the child in a way he or she would not want or like. Tell the child the surgeon is there to help him or her, and the nurses and other hospital workers are there to help the child, as well. Let the child know that he or she will not have to be alone during his or her stay in the hospital.

The parent should be sure not to show the child any fear or anxiety about the child's medical condition, stay in the hospital, or other issues that may have to be dealt with while the child is in the hospital. Be sure that if the child has visitors, such as grandparents or aunts, uncles, or cousins, who will want to know how the child is doing medically, that you step outside the door, out of the child's earshot, so the child does not become anxious because of not understanding the reality of the situation. Many times small children hear things and get the words correct, but the 'facts' wrong. Taking a walk with a grandparent or other person who wishes to know how the child is doing medically is a good option and eliminates the chance for the child to overhear, and misunderstand what is being said. It may be a good idea for the parent/s to explain to other relatives and close friends how the parents are going to handle any updates on the child's condition. In this way, the other parent or another relative can care for the child while the relative is updated on the child. Another idea that could be used in a single parent situation, is to arrange in advance for relatives to come together, or in pairs, so someone familiar to the child is with him or her to care for the child, while updates are given.

Parents should also be extremely careful never to discuss the child's condition over the phone in front of the child. Children listen to more while parents are on the phone than most parents and adults believe children listen. If a close relative or other concerned person desires information on the child's condition, and the person lives far from the hospital, ask another relative to relay updates to the distant person or relative. Ask relatives to be respectful of these wishes, it is what is best for the child. If the parent becomes fearful or feels anxious about anything, the affected parent should ask another adult to care for the child for a few minutes. The affected parent (or other adult) should excuse themselves to the gift shop or cafeteria or some other area. This should give the parent (or other adult) a chance to cry, talk about his or her feelings, or get the anxiety to subside before returning to the child's room.

Another thing to consider is to speak to the child's doctor and or surgeon about going out of the child's room and out of ear shot of the child to update the parent on the child's condition. If the child asks about his or her condition, be honest with the child, but do not give more information than the child asks for. Do not volunteer more information than is requested. Always remember to answer the child's questions at an age appropriate level and length. If the condition of the child is not as serious, of course the needs of the child would be a bit different and should be adjusted accordingly. Have a positive attitude when speaking with the child. A stay in the hospital does not have to be a traumatic experience for the child or the parent. With a bit of planning ahead, the hospital experience can be a new and good experience (or at least a not so bad experience) for the child and the parent.