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There is nothing worse in the world than seeing your child ill in hospital and struggling to get through the day. One of the things you can often worry about with your child is whether they are scared at being alone or if they are sleeping okay, and as a parent most of us want to stay with them throughout their stay. However this isn’t always possible, and therefore we need to find other ways to look after them and make sure they are happy. Today we are going to have a look at a few different ways we can look after a child when they are in hospital.
Tell them the truth
As adults, a lot of us might think that keeping our child in the dark about their condition will be better as it will protect them. However it is always best to be honest with your child so that they can understand what is going on and accept it. For example if your child had a pediatric catheter fitted you can explain what this does and why it is there. Get them involved and in the loop with their own body.
Learn the hospital timetable
Visiting hours can be the biggest barrier you face as a parent with your child and this is why it can be good to ask the hospital staff for a timetable so that you can visit your child every hour possible. This will also give your child something to look forward to every day and it can make all the difference while they are recovering from an illness.
Bring things from home
When your child has to stay in the hospital for an extended amount of time they could become pretty homesick and this can have a huge effect on them mentally and emotionally. Make sure that you can make them feel safe and in a familiar place by bringing in either a couple of toys or a blanket from home for them. Having something which smells and looks familiar can help a lot during their stay and it will keep them calm.
Have recreational visits
There are often parts of the hospital or areas outside the hospital which can be used for recreation and fun. If you want to make your child feel happier and less worried about their condition you can schedule one of these visits and have some fun. You could plan to play for a few hours and this can be the best bonding experience and a great way to spend your time.
Care for them
Of course when you are in a hospital you won’t be able to provide the same type of care as a doctor, however you can certainly give your child some smaller gestures of care to make them relaxed and calm. As a parent it is always good to take an active role in your child’s care and this can be something which will make them feel much safer and happier while they are in the hospital.
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