LATEST FROM OUR BLOGGERS
Parents Give Their Children Eating Disorders
Do you eat to punish yourself, or to gain some control over your life? Will your chil...
View More
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Reply to Today's Community Chalkboard Question!
Getting to know our members better is truly important to us. One new way to do ...
View More
Share Your Inexpensive but Delicious Lunch Ideas
It’s that time again. Every year, around the beginning of summer, our f...
View More
BLOG roll
BLOG archives
BLOG contributors
Going To The Hospital
Thursday, October 06, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
It was a late Saturday night and I had never heard her cry like this. I tried everything. I rocked her. I fed her. I checked her diaper. I tried laying her in her crib. I sung to her. I walked with her. Ugh. Nothing was working. Her screams were piercing my ears. I was nervous. I took her temperature. It confirmed that my little girl was sick. Double ugh.
I looked at my hubby. He looked at me. Based on what I heard and saw, I figured the little one had an ear infection. I also decided we weren't going to make it through that Saturday night.
It was our first trip to the hospital. It ended kind of comically. By the time our little girl was seen, she was asleep on a bed in the emergency room. Nonetheless, the doctor issued some antibiotics and we were on our way home.
Have you had a hospital encouter with your munchkin?
It can be a scary experience for all. Though our visit was relatively short-term, I have plenty of buddies whose kiddos have had a hospital visit for surgery. Even "minor" surgery (is there really such a thing?!) such as tubes in the ears can be overwhelming for all.
When it comes to helping your child through this process, consider the following:
*Use the resources of the hospital. Many hospitals have a Child Life Specialist on staff. These individuals are specially trained at working with children and helping them to understand the process of a surgical procedure.
*Don't tell your child too far in advance. Most kiddos can't tell time. Tomorrow is like next week and next month might as well be next year. Most times, it is better not to tell the exact day your child will have their treatment, a more general response is better.
*Use words your child can understand. Tell your child the truth. Whether it be a shot or other medical procedure, be honest about why your child needs the procedure (i.e. "your ears need some help in keeping healthy, we will go to the hospital so the doctor can help us put special tubes in your ears that will keep you feeling healthy").
*Share with your child what will happen during their visit. From checking in at the desk to being in a hospital room, try to share what will happen.
*Don't show your fear or anxiety. Find the support that you need in family and friends. This way, you'll be able to give your child the support they need.
*Stay with your child or plan for another loved one to be with them throughout their stay. Period.
*Be understanding if your child is out of sorts either during or following a procedure. Wouldn't we all be? Remember, they may not be feeling their best.
*Finally, don't forget to celebrate success. Tell your child you are proud of them.
Hopefully with these few tips, your trip to the hospital will be a little less adventurous than our first trip was.
