What to Expect From Your Child
Children can react to a trip to the hospital in many different ways depending on age, previous experiences and the seriousness of the visit. The information below shows different age groups and gives you an idea of what you can expect from your child. You can also visit our preparing your child for a hospital visit page to see more information.
Infants and Toddlers
Common issues are:
- Fears of strangers, strange places
- Fear of being separated from parents
- does not understand food/drink restrictions
- Sees your stress, in turn scaring the child
What you can do to help:
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Realize you are the best source of comfort
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Bring familiar toys from home
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Bring your child's security object
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Let the staff know what activities will sooth your child
Preschooler (3-6 Years)
Common issues are:
- Fear of being left alone
- Fear of pain
- Viewing the hospital as punishment for behavior
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Difficulty communicating feelings
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May show scared feelings by sucking thumb, tantrums, etc.
What you can do to help:
- Let your child know you will be with him/her
- Let your child know you will take him/her home when done
- Explain what part of the body the doctor will be helping
- Explain how anesthesia will work so nothing will be felt
- Assure your child he/she did nothing wrong
School Age Children (6-11 Years)
Common issues are:
- Fears of separation from parents
- Fears loss of body part or pain
- Fears loss of control
- Fears not waking up after procedure
- Might respond to stress by clinging, acting younger, becoming quiet/talkative
What you can do to help:
- Let your child know you will be with him/her
- Encourage your child to ask questions
- Let your child know you will take him/her home when done
- Explain any changes in appearance that may be caused by the procedure
- Explain how the procedure will make your child feel better
- Explain how anesthesia will work so nothing will be felt
- Give your child choices such as what to bring to the hospital
Teenagers (12 or Older)
Common issues are:
What you can do to help:
Sibling Reactions
Siblings can react in many ways to having a brother or sister going to the hospital. Many of these reactions will be the same as the child in the hospital. They might feel guilty as if they caused the illness or injury, or they can feel jealousy toward the child being hospitalized.
It is important to give siblings the opportunity to tell you how they feel. You should try to clear up any misunderstandings and make sure you don't ignore your children who are not at the hospital. Communication is the best tool.
To see more information on preparing your child for a hospital visit, follow the link. This page even provides a recommended list of books for you and your child to read before the visit!