Making Hospital Easier For Young Children

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31195, 20 October 1966, Page 2

Making Hospital Easier For Young Children

A child worries about going into hospital but parents can do much to alleviate his distress if they prepare him for this experience beforehand, says Miss M. E. Caskey, who has written to “The Press” with some ideas gleaned from her experience in a London children’s hospital.

First explain in a straightforward way matter-of-fact, the things likely to happen there, and tell him about the people he will see—the doctors and the nurses.

Let him take his favourite books and his threadbare old teddy, or his bit of old blanket or yellowed scrap of “shawly-awly” to comfort him at night—but see that he has his tooth brush too.

Tell the sister of any little habits or secret worries he may have. He is bound to feel lonely and abandoned in the beginning. Emphasise that you will go to see him every day if possible and do not tell him that you will come to see him next day if you are unable to do

so. He will probably cry and make a fuss when you leave but it is less harmful for him to cry than not to be visited. It is safer not to emphasise the length of stay—“ Until you’re better,” or, “As soon as you are well enough,” will satisfy him. Never promise to take him home “tomorrow” unless he is really going to be discharged. If you have a cold or If anyone at home is ill tell the nurse on duty before you visit your child. If you want to take him sweets, fruit or food, it is wise to ask the nurse on duty as diet may be an important part of the treatment and your goodies may delay recovery. Magazines and comics are usually swapped around but some so-called comics are most unsuitable and can be terrifying, so censor them first. Letters and get-well cards posted by relatives and friends are most welcome. Larger hospitals have teachers who help children with lessons and games. This not only keeps the children up to date with their school work but it also takes their thoughts away from their illness, and provides a real aid to recovery by making hospital life more “normal.”

After returning home your child may be difficult. He may be irritable and demanding or he may be shy and difficult to contact. Here is where extra love and attention is needed. Tired though you may be of his behaviour, do not allow yourself to become so distraught that you threaten to send him back to hospital as punishment.