Preparing yourself for your child's hospital stay or procedure can affect many areas of daily life. In addition to rearranging regular activities, such as work and school, you may experience many emotions such as worry, guilt, sadness and relief. As you prepare your child for his or her hospital experience, it is just as important to prepare yourself.

Common feelings
Knowing that your child will be admitted to the hospital or will undergo a procedure may bring up a variety of feelings. These feelings often come and go throughout the entire healthcare experience. Common feelings include anxiety, fear, worry, helplessness, shock, guilt, anger, numbness, relief and sadness. Children often sense their parents' feelings. Allowing yourself time to experience your own feelings will help you better support your child.

Ask questions
It is helpful to learn more about the hospital, your child's medical condition and the treatment. Children's promotes a culture of open communication and safety. The Ask Me Why campaign is designed to encourage patients to ask questions and learn how those actions are used to promote safety. The campaign is supported by posters, filers and employee buttons to promote dialouge between patients, parents, visitors and cargivers.

   Questions you may want to ask:

• What should I tell my child about the procedure or operation?
• What will happen immediately before the operation or procedure?
• How long will the procedure or operation take?
• May I stay with my child during the procedure?
• Where will I wait during the procedure or operation?
• Will I be told how my child is doing during the procedure or operation?
• When will I be able to see my child after the procedure or operation?
• Will my child be in pain?
• How long will my child stay in the hospital?
• How long will it be before my child can go back to school and play?
• Where can I find more information on my child's condition, operation or procedure?

Tell staff about your child
Remember that you know your child best. Be sure to tell your child's doctors, nurses and other caregivers about your child's personality and past experiences with healthcare. For example, if your child is especially afraid of blood tests, staff can often find ways to make the experience less upsetting.

Resources
Children's Medical Center