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Easing Fears
CoxHealth Children's Hospital Services
Hospitalization is usually an unexpected event in the life of a child.
When a child goes into the hospital the entire family is affected. However,
there are many coping tools that a parent can provide. 
Comfort from parents. The single most important tool a child can
receive, regardless of their age, is the comfort of knowing a parent will
be with them � whether it is an overnight stay or a same day surgery.
Every developmental stage is marked with concern of separation and abandonment.
When a child is placed in a strange environment and is left alone, these
fears and anxieties are enhanced.
Keeping your cool. Another important tool in helping a child cope
with hospitalization is the parent�s ability to keep their emotions in
check. If a parent is anxious, the child will be anxious too. The best
way to calm personal fears is to get all of your questions answered. Consult
the doctor with any medical questions and rely on the Child Life staff
for emotional support.
Be honest with your child. All children over one year of age need
advance preparation for medical events. General understanding of the hospital
environment and procedures can help the entire family feel more in control
and comfortable with hospitalization. It is a good idea to visit the hospital
ahead of time if that is possible. CoxHealth has a Pre-Admissions Center and
we offer pre-operative parties. These parties usually consist
of a discussion about the day of surgery, familiarization of medical equipment
and a tour of the areas the child will experience. Children will be told,
in terms they can understand, what to expect and what will be expected
of them. Information and knowledge prior to the event helps decrease anxiety
and allows children to prepare for what lies ahead. What and when you
tell a child depends on the individual. It is best to discuss the hospital
with a young child a few days before the event. Older children may need
more time to adjust to the idea. Find out what your child knows and what
they may be confused about.
Regardless of how young or nervous your child may be it is important
to be truthful. Honesty is the best policy! If your child asks if the
procedure will hurt, rather than giving a yes/no answer, describe how
it will feel, such as, "a sting or pinch." Also remind them
the pain will go away and inform them how they can make it easier, such
as sitting very still and imagining their arm as a wet noodle.
Always convey a message of confidence to a child and let them know someone
will be there to help them. Once you are in the hospital, praise your
child on how well they are coping. Let them know it is okay to cry. Children
do not always have to be "brave" or a "big boy." She
needs to be able to react to what she is experiencing. Talk about different
coping techniques such as looking the other way, holding a hand, taking
deep breaths or diversional activities such as blowing bubbles. Always
give your child reassurance that she did a good job.
After hospitalization children may be fearful and cling to you more than
usual. Try to jump back into normal routines as quickly as possible. Have
some play medical equipment around so that the child can work through
any unresolved issues. Remember that regression and fears are normal and
your child still needs you to be supportive and understanding.
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Pediatrics
(700 West)
Cox South
417/269-6700
Child Life
(700 West)
Cox South
417/269-6784
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