I learned some tricks that help kids in the hospital. I'll share. I hope your child is never stuck in the hospital, but if they are these tips should help.
1. Embrace electronics- Whether it is a tablet, phone, game system, television, computer, or some other form of electronics. They can help ease the boredom. Using apps like Skype, Facetime, and other forms of visual communication can be handy as well.
Several times while Tbomb was in the hospital, we used Skype to video chat with his sister, daddy, Nina, papa, and even great-grandparents. This really lifted his spirits, especially on the days they weren't able to visit.
2. Bring Comforts from home. Even if you have to have someone bring them later, having a favorite blanket, cup, toy, book, and other items can make them feel safer and more relaxed. I definitely recommend their own blanket and cup, even if you have to buy a new one. They really made a difference with Tbomb. He also requested his Bible.
3. Don't forget a new Lovie! No matter the age, a stuffed animal can make a huge difference in their outlook and comfort.
4. Toys are probably the best distraction. Include a mix of new items and items from home. Tbomb had cars, action figures, and Lego sets. The Lego sets really helped him pass the time. Just think about what your kid enjoys and go from there. Had it been Koda, it would have been doll stuff, tiny dolls, and play jewelry.
5. Encourage visitors and phone calls. This is probably the best thing of all to raise their spirits. As long as your child is not contagious and the visitors are not, the hospital will likely be okay with this- but it never hurts to check. Tbomb's visits ended up being spaced out so that he had a visitor almost every day. The days he did not, we went to the playroom. It worked out great and having visitors really helped, although he really missed them when they left.
6. Bring Pajamas. Nobody likes to wear a hospital gown and children are no different. Bring along comfy pajamas, some slip-on shoes, and a robe or poncho they can put on to walk around.
7. Take walks together, once they are allowed to leave their room. Many hospitals have gardens you can visit and playrooms. Even if this is not the case walking (or riding) around the hospital can make your little one not feel so "stuck."
Even before this, moving to a chair out of the bed can make an impact.
8. Favorite foods and snacks help. Between me and his visitors, Tbomb had a ton of food in his room. Whenever he wanted a snack, his favorites were available. If he didn't want what he got for a meal, there was something available he would eat. The nurses thought it was funny that it was like a pantry in a drawer, but it made a huge difference, especially when his meds started making him want to eat constantly.
9. Find out what services are available to your child during their stay and take advantage of the ones that are beneficial to your child. That is why they are there- so use them.
10. Talk to them about what is going on. Let the child know what is going on with their body, when they may get to go home, how the medications work, and why they are in the hospital. Let them ask questions and be as honest as possible with your answers. If you do not know, tell them. If it is something you are not ready to talk with them about, simply tell them that you will talk about that later.
I want to mention something else that made a huge difference. Tbomb's daddy was coming to visit and he grabbed "Peter Parker" and a pair of his pajamas on the way out the door, thinking it might make a difference. Boy did it ever. The nurses even gave him an IV and a hospital bracelet. having this friend with him made a huge difference and I will not forget that. He's even taken him to each doctor visit and has not been away from him since he got out of the hospital- he's his partner in crime.
It doesn't have to be a doll- it can be an action figure or stuffed animals, but let the nurses know that things like this can help- they are always willing to help make it easier on kids. Grab a pair of pajamas out of the doll section and put them on the stuffed animal (most of it fits). This will make a huge difference for your little one. I was very impressed with the difference it made!
One Important Tip For Parents:
Take care of yourself. It is easy to forget your own needs when you are caring for your child. Luckily, I had people reminding me to eat and making sure I was eating whenever they would call to check on him. It's not just eating that is important- take time for yourself. Take your showers, take a walk, read a book, sleep when they sleep and even put some makeup on to make you feel better.
Depending on your child's and family's situation, and the diagnosis, you may need someone to talk to. I was very lucky that I have a wonderful support system. Friends and family were always calling, texting, and stopping by to check on Tbomb and make sure I was doing okay and didn't need anything. Unfortunately, not everyone has this.
Don't give up hope. There are people out there to talk to. Not only do hospitals provide this service, but if you have other needs like anxiety or depression, there are online services available. BetterHelp.com is an online therapy service. There are people you can talk to anytime right from the hospital and even after your child is released. If you need help dealing with this difficult phase of life, please do not hesitate to reach out for help- it is too easy to get in this modern time to not take advantage.
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