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Four things to do when your kids are hospitalized
Hospital is not the nicest place to go, especially for kids. However, there are times when we may have little choice but to get ourselves or our children quick-smart to one of the many bleach-scented white-walled buildings we all love to hate. In some cases, we may even have to stay there for an extended vacation of sorts.Parents taking their children to hospital are faced with an extra stress. Hospital and hospital treatment can be overwhelming for children and, as happiness helps boost the immune system, feeling relaxed and comfortable is essential. The following things may help your child to cope with hospital:
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Hospital and hospital treatment can be overwhelming for children. (Shutterstock/*)
H
ospital is not the nicest place to go, especially for kids. However, there are times when we may have little choice but to get ourselves or our children quick-smart to one of the many bleach-scented white-walled buildings we all love to hate. In some cases, we may even have to stay there for an extended vacation of sorts.
Parents taking their children to hospital are faced with an extra stress. Hospital and hospital treatment can be overwhelming for children and, as happiness helps boost the immune system, feeling relaxed and comfortable is essential. The following things may help your child to cope with hospital:
Toys
Make the hospital room feel like home with a few of your child’s favorite toys and books. Having these possessions on-hand offers the child comfort and a distraction from the situation.
Perhaps your child has a favorite pillow or blanket – either or both of these two items are good choice as well.
(Read also: Why becoming a parent takes learning)
Food
Depending on what is wrong with your child, he or she may or may not have an appetite. Take some home-cooked food to hospital for them, it will offer some comfort and a sense of familiarity.
If it is not possible, use an app delivery service to order their favorite food or snacks.
Encouragement
Be honest with your child. It will prepare them more than telling white lies about the treatment they’re going to have.
As your child is likely to have to make an extra effort to take medicine and keep up their fluid intake, encourage them. No one wants to be sick.
(Read also: 3 sensory activities to make bath time fun for kids)
Act normally
Parents often panic when their child is sick. For the sake of the child, it may be helpful to conceal those feelings from them.
Getting sick and going to hospital is normal, like any other life event. Hopefully, the child will learn to be aware of their health afterwards.
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Nadia Khaerunnisa is a mother. She believes that there is no such thing as perfect parents. Nadia likes to share ideas on her blog nadkhaerunnisa.com where she writes about motherhood and health.
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