Power to the Parents Tip Sheet - Child Life Council

POWER TO THE PARENTS:
10 Ways to Help Your Child (and you!) Cope with a Hospital Visit
You just received the call you've been dreading—your child slipped on the playground and
is being taken to the Emergency Department. You may be lucky enough to avoid this
scenario, but, unfortunately, many parents aren't. In fact, approximately 30 million children
visit the Emergency Department each year. 1
Advanced preparation can make a big difference in easing the anxiety of these frightening
situations. Below are 10 tips to help parents make that experience a little easier for them
and their children. They can apply to varied situations—either planned or unplanned visits to
the hospital.
1. Find a Hospital Near You: Remember—you have a choice about which hospital you
bring your child to. Determine which local hospital embraces a family-centered care
philosophy for children and their families. Family-centered care is based on the
understanding that the family plays a vital role for the well-being and health of patients. 2
2. No Time Like the Present to Prepare: Prepare your child for the hospital experience
by describing the people he/she will meet and what procedures might occur during the
visit. Studies have found that children who are prepared in advance for a hospital visit
feel less anxious. 3 A list of recommended books you can read with your child is
available through the Child Life Council Web site:
http://www.childlife.org/Resource Library/ClinicalPractice.cfm#GoingtotheHospital
3. Manage your Child's Pain: Most children start their hospital visit with an IV insertion or
blood draw—among the most frequently reported painful events in hospitalized
children. 4 To help reduce the pain of these procedures, ask your healthcare provider for
a topical local anesthetic. A variety of other Comfort Measures are available to help
ease your child’s fear, stress and discomfort. Download the Comfort Measures Tip
Sheet from the Child Life Council Web site:
http://www.childlife.org/files/ComfortMeasuresandTips.pdf
4. Seek Support from a Child Life Specialist: Ask if your hospital offers the services of a
child life specialist, who can partner with you to make your child's experience as positive
as possible. The child life specialist, using her/his background in the growth and
development of children, can help you and your child identify and practice successful
distraction techniques and coping strategies. Additionally, the child life specialist can
assure that your child has developmentally appropriate toys and activities during his/her
stay in the hospital.
This document was adapted from material originally developed as part of the Hospital 411: Tips Every
Parent Should Know educational campaign, sponsored by Anesiva, Inc.

5. Stay Calm, Cool and Collected: Your child will look to you for support during this scary
time, so it is important to remain calm. If you are calm, your child is less likely to feel
anxious. 2
6. Your Questions Matter—Speak Up!: Ask questions, take notes and don't be afraid to
speak up if you don't understand something. You have the right to understand what is
happening to your child so you can make informed decisions about his/her care.
7. Pack A Favorite Toy or Activity: Bring 1–2 of your child's favorite comfort items to use
while you are waiting (e.g., favorite blanket, stuffed animal, book or video game). Having
familiar items will help your child feel safe and ease anxiety.
8. Provide Medical History: Keep a detailed record of your child's medical history in your
wallet so that you're always prepared. This should include blood type, allergies, current
medications, insurance and pediatrician information, previous injuries or
hospitalizations. Download and complete a customizable Wallet Card to carry with you
at all times:
http://www.childlife.org/files/HospitalWalletCard.pdf
9. Honesty is the Best Policy: Be honest with your child about what is happening. If a
procedure may be uncomfortable, prepare the child for it, but remember, children
experience discomfort and/or pain in various ways. No matter what, your child will
benefit from your presence and support.
10. Praise Goes a Long Way: Offer support and encouragement throughout the hospital
process. For example, if your child has an x-ray, praise him/her for lying so still.
Acknowledge your child’s fear and support him/her for taking steps to overcome it.
References
1. Committee on the Future of Emergency Care in the United States Health System; Institute of
Medicine. Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains. Future of Emergency Care series.
The National Academies Press: Washington, D.C., 2006.
2. Children's Hospital of Los Angeles: Principles of Family Centered Care;
http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/site/pp.aspxc=ipINKTOAJsG&b=3897213&printmode=1.
Accessed July 7, 2008.
3. Schechter NL, Zempsky WT, Cohen LL, et al. Pain Reduction During Pediatric
Immunizations: Evidence-Based Review and Recommendations. Pediatrics
2007;119;e1184-e1198.
4. Wong DL and Baker CM. Pain in Children: Comparison of Assessment Scales. Pediatric
Nursing. 1988;14:9-17.
This document was adapted from material originally developed as part of the Hospital 411: Tips Every
Parent Should Know educational campaign, sponsored by Anesiva, Inc.