Helping Children Cope with Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations can be frightening and overwhelming for kids and their families. We gathered a few resources to help you cope during this difficult time.

For more information on explaining health issues to kids, check out our blog on how vaccines work.

• Tips for preparing your child for surgery from Allied Anesthesia
  It can be daunting for parents to send their children into surgery. These tips can help you and your child to feel less anxious.

• Tips to help your child cope with hospitalization from University of Florida Health
  UF Health shares ways to help infants, teenagers, and kids of all ages in between cope with hospitalizations -siblings included!

• Helping Children Cope from Cedars Sinai
  Hospitalizations can be overwhelming for children and their families, but there are ways to make the stay easier.

• Helping Children Cope with Health Care Experiences from UMass Memorial Medical Center
  These suggestions can help parents and caregivers talk with children about health care experiences like hospitalizations or procedures.

• 5 Ways to Help Children Cope During a Hospital Stay from Health Matters
  Child life specialists from New York-Presbyterian Hospital share their top tips for comforting pediatric patients.

• 16 Reassuring Children's Books about the Hospital from The Lollipop Book Club
  These picture books can help answer questions kids may have during their hospital visit.

• Who’s Who in the Hospital from KidsHealth
  Hospitals are filled with health care workers who want to make patients feel better! Check out the last section on “Other Medical Staff” to see who may help entertain and support your child during the visit.