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Preparing your toddler for a hospital stay |
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by fairymama25  (January 2008) (rank 222nd) |
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Being told your child needs surgery is one of the scariest experiences you go through as a parent. However there are several things you can do to prepare you child for a stay in hospital and things you can do to lessen the trauma on the child.
In the
hospital, toddlers benefit when at least one parent stays overnight with them. You can work out a plan with your nurse to allow you to continue caring for your child as much as possible (e.g. bathing, changing clothes, and feeding). This will aid in your child's adjustment to the hospital stay. Its worth bearing in mind if your toddler normally sleeps in bed with you at home, to ask if its possible for you to have a bed to share so you can sleep together, rather than being given a cot. Most hospitals are happy to do this.
Another way to prepare your toddler for a stay in hospital is through the use of books. There are several books for toddlers about hospitalization and emotions that may relate to being in a hospital. Two or three days before going in is a good time to read books and discuss any questions. Young children may ask, "How long will I be there?", "Will it hurt?" or "Where will you be?" Answer honestly.
It is very important to let your toddler choose which toys to take with them. Always remember the comfort blankie or toy.
Children respond differently depending on the length of stay, the procedures involved, and any recent stresses. Its worth bearing in mind that sleep routines will be disturbed when you get home, and also things like potty training.
Toddlers will still throw tantrums in hospital, dont worry about it, respond as you normally would at home, remeber the nurses are there to care for the health of your child not to scrutinise your parenting skills!
It can be a very stressful time when your child is in hospital, it is important that an adult is with them as much as possible. Enlist all help you can to look after other children at home, and get other people to do chores.
The worst, which has also happened to me is when your child is rushed in for emerbency surgery, for which you have no opportunity to prepare for. Just remember... stay calm... even when all you want to do it cry. Remember to grab the comfort blankie/toy, hospitals will have supplies of nappies/bottles etc. Take change for car parking, phone boxes, vending machines etc. And just try to remember that your child will be getting the best of care.
