Preparing for a stay
When your child is sick, you’re by their side to protect and comfort them. At the same time, you’re juggling schedules and tending to your family, home and work. To help make your child’s hospital stay easier, here are some tips for you and your child.
Ask questions
You'll feel more in control if you know what to expect – and your child will sense your confidence. See our resource center to learn as much as you can about your child's condition, diagnosis, and treatment. Ask our Child Life specialists about a tour and what will happen during the stay. Find answers to many basic questions about our hospitals in our guides for our Oak Lawn and Park Ridge campuses.
Likewise, when your child asks you questions, be sure to answer them honestly. Give them details, but don’t overwhelm them. Find out their ideas about surgery, doctors, and tests so you can clear up any confusion. For example, children sometimes think blood tests take all their blood. Explain that blood draws take only a tiny amount, and their body quickly makes new blood to replace it. Children also often believe "put to sleep" means they won't wake up again. Assure them they will wake up shortly after surgery.
Be prepared
Planning ahead will help your family maintain normal activities as much as possible and reduce stress. If you have other children at home, find a reliable family member, friend, neighbor, or babysitter to help with carpools, meals, and homework. Our Child Life specialists can offer you more ideas and support.
When getting ready for a hospital stay, don’t forget to pack reminders from home. Although we provide bedclothes, your child may want to wear their own pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers. They can also bring their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush. Pack their beloved blanket or teddy bear, favorite books, family photos, or easily washable toys to help bring them comfort during their stay. Be sure to label all the items with your child's name or initials.
Provide support
Encourage your child to express their feelings. This goes for the child’s brothers and sisters, too. Drawing pictures or playing "hospital" or "doctor" are good outlets. Encourage them to talk about their concerns during a car ride or other uninterrupted time. Remind them not to blame themselves for their illness.
Children, and especially teens, feel better when they have some control over their care. Let them decide what pajamas to pack or which arm will get the injection.
Remember, children often cope better than we expect. And to support you in comforting and reassuring your child, our Child Life specialists are always here to help. Plus, see our resource center of trusted information that’s perfect for parents, teens, and children.
And while making time to take care of everyone else, remember to make time for yourself. Take a walk, watch a movie – whatever works for you.
