Going to the hospital for a procedure or treatment may be stressful for your child.
Being away from home ... in a strange place ... with lots of new people.
Worry ... fear of the unknown ... confusion ...
A lot of kids have these feelings, and you may have them too.
You might also feel like you don't have much control.
But there is something you can do.
By helping your child prepare, you can make a real difference in how your child feels about the hospital stay.
One of the best things you can do is talk to your child.
Find a time when you won't be interrupted and can both be calm.
Explain in simple language why the hospital visit is happening.
Be honest.
Answer any questions.
And remember that young children don't need too many details.
A child's imagination can be powerful ...
especially when the child is worried or afraid.
So make sure to spend time listening.
Ask your child to tell you why he or she is going to the hospital and what will happen there.
That can help you understand what worries them the most.
And help your child focus on how he or she may feel afterward ...
and how being in the hospital will help.
Some hospitals give tours so children can see what the hospital is like and talk to the nurses.
It may help to bring brothers and sisters on the hospital tour too ...
to ease any worries they may have.
And finally, let your child know that worrying is your job.
Your child's job is to focus on the good things, like getting better and who is going to visit.
If you take the time to prepare your child for a hospital stay, your child likely will be more relaxed, and that means you'll be a lot more relaxed too ...
making the hospital stay as easy as possible.
