Hospitalization Separation

Coping With Your Child's Hospital Stay

By Gwen Morrison

Bringing a child to the hospital and leaving him there can be a very traumatic experience for the parent and the child. "For many parents, hospitalization separation is emotionally draining," says Dr. Adolph Brown, an associate professor of psychology at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. "It is important to arm the child with firm, loving reassurance that you will return."

When possible, it is important to prepare a child for a hospital stay. Preteens can help with the preparations by packing their clothes and personal items prior to admission day.

Research indicates that children who are prepared for hospitalization tend to recuperate faster than those who aren't. Being honest is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your child for his hospital stay. Children feel better when they know what is going on. Without having a general idea of what to expect, their imaginations can run wild!

The Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron in Ohio has provided these tips to help your child prepare for a trip to the hospital:

• Focus on the purpose: to help get better as soon as possible and return home. Find out if your child has any misconceptions by asking him a few questions.
• Think about it from your child's point of view: a strange place, odd-looking equipment, unable to go home, cared for by strangers. Discuss with your child what these new experiences may be like.
• Tell the truth: Some things may hurt. The most common fear is being stuck with a needle. Tell your child it's OK to say "ouch" and cry – even adults cry. Remind your child that the doctors and nurses are there to help the child feel better. It's unpleasant that pain is almost always a part of being sick or injured, but pain may be part of getting better.
• Pack your child's suitcase together. Bring pajamas, a bathrobe and a favorite stuffed animal or toy labeled with your child's name. Let the child pick out a special outfit to wear home.
• Start a project together before going to the hospital – a puzzle or a book – and plan to finish it when he returns home.
• Bring along family photos – something familiar.

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• Talk about it!