Mental Preparation
A Child Alone in Hospital
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind when you take a child to hospital is your constant assurance that he/she is not alone in the experience. And I mean "constant". You should never, not even for a moment, allow any hint of the child being alone to creep into your conversations.
Child psychology is a profound subject, and you may not realise that even an apparently innocent use of the future tense when you talk to the child might give rise to some sub-conscious consternation in his/her mind. So, for example, say "The nurses are always watching over you, even while you're asleep.", rather than "The nurses will always be watching over you, even while you're asleep." If you cannot perceive the nuance in the effect of these two ways of saying the same thing, please, just take my word for it: they are different.
Unless the circumstances are unusual, it is unlikely that both parents are able to stay with a child in hospital for the duration of the treatment. If it's not possible for at least one parent to be there at any time, do try to arrange for a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, etc. to cover for you. If there are any gaps, do prepare your child in advance for them by saying that he/she can make new friends in the hospital ward. "It's exciting to make new friends, and you can continue to see each other when you come home!"
Keeping a Child Occupied in Hospital
Boredom is not an Option!
It is essential for a child in hospital to have familiar objects close at hand, be they toys, books, a favourite blanket, etc. (Ensure that every such item is spotlessly clean before you take the child to the hospital.) Such items comfort the child in unfamiliar surroundings. Psychologically, familiar items alone rarely achieve a 100% effect to avoid boredom, because of their very familiarity. Ideally, there needs to be some new item or items which are given to the child specially because he/she is going to hospital. This is to stimulate the child's mind, as distinct from bringing comfort. This also provides an incentive for the child to go to hospital, rather than a reluctance.
The "So, You're Going to Hospital" booklet is ideal for this purpose. If the child becomes bored in hospital, his/her mind will wander to the real reason why he/she is there. You certainly do not want that to happen!
A Hospital Adventure
The Difference between Positive and Negative
For a child, going to hospital should not be an event to dread, but one to look forward to. How your child perceives the visit is in your hands, as a parent. Emphasise the positive things, and play down or avoid the negative aspects. Talk about the results of the treatment, rather than the reasons for the treatment. For instance, "When you come home, you can join in sports / eat ice cream / (whatever).", rather than "The doctors will take away the pain you're feeling." or "You won't need to take those pills any more." Are you getting the idea?
By: Steve Avery
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
A Child Alone in Hospital
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind when you take a child to hospital is your constant assurance that he/she is not alone in the experience. And I mean "constant". You should never, not even for a moment, allow any hint of the child being alone to creep into your conversations.
Child psychology is a profound subject, and you may not realise that even an apparently innocent use of the future tense when you talk to the child might give rise to some sub-conscious consternation in his/her mind. So, for example, say "The nurses are always watching over you, even while you're asleep.", rather than "The nurses will always be watching over you, even while you're asleep." If you cannot perceive the nuance in the effect of these two ways of saying the same thing, please, just take my word for it: they are different.
Unless the circumstances are unusual, it is unlikely that both parents are able to stay with a child in hospital for the duration of the treatment. If it's not possible for at least one parent to be there at any time, do try to arrange for a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, etc. to cover for you. If there are any gaps, do prepare your child in advance for them by saying that he/she can make new friends in the hospital ward. "It's exciting to make new friends, and you can continue to see each other when you come home!"
Keeping a Child Occupied in Hospital
Boredom is not an Option!
It is essential for a child in hospital to have familiar objects close at hand, be they toys, books, a favourite blanket, etc. (Ensure that every such item is spotlessly clean before you take the child to the hospital.) Such items comfort the child in unfamiliar surroundings. Psychologically, familiar items alone rarely achieve a 100% effect to avoid boredom, because of their very familiarity. Ideally, there needs to be some new item or items which are given to the child specially because he/she is going to hospital. This is to stimulate the child's mind, as distinct from bringing comfort. This also provides an incentive for the child to go to hospital, rather than a reluctance.
The "So, You're Going to Hospital" booklet is ideal for this purpose. If the child becomes bored in hospital, his/her mind will wander to the real reason why he/she is there. You certainly do not want that to happen!
A Hospital Adventure
The Difference between Positive and Negative
For a child, going to hospital should not be an event to dread, but one to look forward to. How your child perceives the visit is in your hands, as a parent. Emphasise the positive things, and play down or avoid the negative aspects. Talk about the results of the treatment, rather than the reasons for the treatment. For instance, "When you come home, you can join in sports / eat ice cream / (whatever).", rather than "The doctors will take away the pain you're feeling." or "You won't need to take those pills any more." Are you getting the idea?
By: Steve Avery
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
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