Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Hospitalization: Helping a Child Cope
A trip to the hospital can be traumatic for anyone,
particularly for a child. Separation from loved ones,
unfamiliarity with the hospital setting, frightening
hospital equipment, and unpleasant medical procedures are
major sources of stress for children. In addition, because
children do not understand the nature of their illness, they
may believe hospitalization is their own fault. They
sometimes view pain and other physical symptoms as the
result of being "bad", and their hospitalization as
"punishment" for their misbehavior.
Hospitalization need not be an entirely negative experience.
Children and family members benefit from careful preparation
for a hospital stay. Of course, sudden illnesses or
accidents preclude direct preparation, but positive
interventions are still helpful at the hospital and upon
return.
The following suggestions have worked well for many
families.
BEFORE ADMISSION --
- If possible, time preparation activities according to the age
of your child.
For two- and three-year-olds, begin discussion about 2
or 3 days before admission. If your child is between
four and five years old, 4 to 7 days is best. Children
over seven have a better conception of time, and should
become involved in the planning process several weeks
before hospitalization.
- Involve your child in the preparations as much as possible.
Letting your child pack, select playthings, and plan
pleasurable posthospital activities all heighten
feelings of control and competence which are greatly in
need of bolstering during this time.
- Stimulate discussion about the hospital experience by reading
books together.
Talking about what happens to another child or storybook
character during hospitalization is reassuring and helps
correct misconceptions. Reading about the main character
leaving the hospital is especially comforting.
See Children's Literature: Hospitalization.
- Explain the hospital experience in clear, simple terms.
Ask your child's physician for help in explaining why
certain procedures will be done and what will happen
when they do occur. With a young child, demonstrate
certain medical procedures such as x-rays and injections
using miniature equipment on a doll, puppet, or stuffed
animal. A child who is prepared for hospital procedures
and temporary discomfort tends to be more cooperative
and less psychologically distressed when they actually
do occur.
- Arrange a tour of the hospital for your child and other
family members before admission.
Familiarity with hospital rooms, equipment, and
personnel helps alleviate some of the fear of the
unknown. By learning where your child will be staying
and what will be happening, trauma and apprehension are
lessened.
- Wait to talk to your child until you have some emotional
control.
Your feelings are readily communicated, so it is best to
prepare your child when you feel well prepared and
largely in control of your emotions.
- Involve siblings in the preparation.
To a significant degree, healthy siblings are affected
by hospitalization as well. Siblings may experience
intense feelings of guilt, jealousy, and anxiety, so
involve them in hospital tours, demonstrations, and
books on the experience.
AT THE HOSPITAL --
- Stay with your child as much as possible.
Your child's greatest fear is being separated from
mother and father. Visit often, sleep in a chair, or,
best of all, room-in. An older child may appear quite
casual about your visits, but craves them nonetheless.
Invite grandparents and siblings to visit if regulations
allow.
- When you do leave, say good-bye.
Do not try to sneak away while your youngster is
sleeping or preoccupied. Instead, make your leavetaking
short and visible. Tell your child when you will
return. Even though your child may cry, he or she will
continue to trust you.
- Bring a little bit of home to the hospital.
Family photographs, tape-recorded stories or messages,
cards, calls, and cuddly toys all provide comfort and
security. They reassure your child that he or she is
loved and not forgotten.
- Tell pediatric nurses something about your child.
Mention significant people and events in your child's
life to help the nurses make the hospital stay more
emotionally comfortable for your youngster.
- An older child needs abundant support and reassurance too.
An older child may put on an appearance of bravado, but
do not be fooled. Children of all ages find hospitals
distressing, and benefit from love and attention.
See also:
Keeping Your Routine When a Child Is Seriously Ill
UPON RETURN FROM THE HOSPITAL --
- Listen to your child's repeated descriptions of the hospital
stay.
Help your child sort out feelings about the hospital
visit by discussing troubling events as well as the
positive features of the experience.
- Do not be surprised if your child reverts to younger
behavior.
As your child readjusts to home surroundings, he or she
may temporarily become more demanding and dependent.
Provide extra hugs, kisses and words of encouragement.
- Never use the threat of hospitalization as a way to control
your youngster's behavior.
Avoid statements like, "If you don't get enough sleep,
you'll wind up in the hospital again." A statement such
as this only creates undue anxiety and guilt.
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