Hospitals can be stressful places for children and their families. It is normal to be afraid and anxious. Follow the guidelines below to help you make the experience easier for your child, and your family.
Ask for Information
Ask questions of any member of the healthcare team at any time.
Encourage your child to ask questions, too.
To request a Language & Cultural Specialist or Interpreter:
- Dial extension 12596 from inside the hospital.
- Call (323) 361-2596 from outside the hospital.
- Ask your child’s nurse or social worker.
Be Honest
- Answer all questions your child asks as fully as possible.
- Let your child know that you may not have the answer to every question, but that you can try to find out.
- Let your child and family know that being in the hospital is not a punishment.
- No one is to blame.
- Hospitals help people get well.
Listen & Talk
- Listen to your child.
- Give him or her permission to ask questions, cry, say that something hurts, and talk about his or her feelings.
- Share your feelings, too.
- Update your child and family members about what is happening.
Comfort
- Being sick can be scary, especially if you can’t be held or hugged.
- Ask a nurse what you can do to comfort your child.
- When away from your child’s room, leave one of your sweaters or other personal items.
- Remember that you, your other children and family members may need comforting, too.
Maintain a Routine
- Keep life as normal as possible.
- Play games or read a book with your child.
- Bring in family photographs.
- Help with schoolwork.
- Be sure to tell your child when and why you leave the room or the hospital.
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