6 Tips to Survive Your Child’s Hospital Stay

Nobody prays that their child should fall ill, or even worse require hospitalization. But sometimes, these things happen, the only thing you can do is brave it and take it one day at a time. It will be difficult, and your regular schedule will probably be thrown off balance temporarily. But remember, it’s only for a while.

These 6 tips will help you get through each of these days.

1. Be there as much as you can

Be physically present at the hospital as often as your job and your other family responsibilities allow. If your time is limited, talk with your child’s doctor about when your presence is most important: It may be overnight when your child is in the most pain or in the morning when the doctors make rounds. Figure out what works best, then develop a plan with family or friends who can act as your proxy when you’re unavailable. Most times, the attending physician probably come in at selected times each day. If you can’t be there then, ask when you can call in for an update. Make it clear to the doctor that you will fully participate in all decision making.

2. Offer your expertise on your child

It’s easy to feel intimidated when you’re surrounded by doctors and specialists. So remind yourself:
“I’m the expert on my child”. They may have lots of degrees, but you know your child’s “normal” better than the medical team when it comes to appetite, energy level, sleep habits, and so much more. It’s easy to almost be intimidated, but never swallow your expertise on your child, especially in the hospital.

3. Ask questions

Except in emergency situations, all doctors should be willing to answer your questions. If she uses medical jargon you don’t understand, ask her to translate to simpler terms. Keep a note pad handy so you can jot down questions whenever they come up throughout the day and night.

4. Plan for the whole family

If you have other children at home, you already know that a single child’s hospitalization will impact everyone in your household. Try to keep your other kids’ routines as normal as possible. See whether grandparents or family friends can help out with drop-offs, pickups, and after-school activities. None of this will be easy, so try to remember that the situation is temporary.

5. Continue parenting as usual

Consistency is key because it makes your child feel safe. If she has to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at home, she should do that in the hospital. If you throw out all the rules, that might create an impression to your child that something is really wrong, despite the fact that you’re telling her she’ll be okay.

6. Be honest about your feelings

 You have to be brave at this period or phase, but you don’t have to pretend to be if you are not. The fact is, life may look very different for your family for some time now. Don’t leave until you feel ready to care for your child at home alone. Ask more questions, ask for help to understand medications, the risk of what may happen and how to get through every other day.