quick clicks

preschoolers today articles

preschoolers today q&a

children today articles

children today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Hospitalization Separation

Coping With Your Child's Hospital Stay

By Gwen Morrison

It's important to ask questions of the medical staff if you are unsure of a procedure or anything else related to your child's care, and allow your child the opportunity to be informed as much as he should be. "Pain medication is widely under-prescribed for people who can't advocate for themselves, including children," says Marsden. "I sometimes had to ask four times before they administered morphine."

Marsden tells parents to write down the dosage of pain medication and be sure to ask the nurses in this form. "Namby-pamby complaints like, 'He's in so much pain. Can't we do something?' get dismissed as obnoxious parents," she says. "I learned to say, 'Give him 1 mg of morphine as soon as you can."

Carlton agrees that staying informed and asking a lot of questions is the best way to keep on top of your child's progress. It also helps parents to feel more at ease, which in turn rubs off on your child. "I asked about every little procedure," she says. "I know I drove the staff crazy."

For many children, staying overnight for any length of time in a hospital can be a scary experience. By preparing your child and being open to discussing their fears and concerns, it can be a less stressful experience for everyone. Children trust their parents. Reassure them that they are in the best place possible to get well.