Your Child in the Hospital
What to say
Many people feel awkward and tongue-tied in the presence of families with an injured or ill child, particularly if the injury or illness is severe. Kind words are always welcome and a specific offer of help can be accepted or graciously declined. Here are a few suggestions of helpful things to say.
• “I am so sorry” (follow with a big hug).
• “Our family would like to mow the lawn, weed the flower beds, and rake the leaves. Is this weekend a good time?”
• “We want to clean your house for you once a week. What day would be convenient?”
• “Would it help if we took care of your dog (or cat, or bird)? We would love to do it.”
• “The church (or synagogue or mosque) is setting up a system to deliver meals to your house. When is the best time to drop them off?”
• “I will take care of Joanie whenever you need to take Jimmy to the hospital. Call us any time, day or night, and we will come pick her up.”
Many well-wishing friends always said, “Let me know what I can do.” I wish they had just “done,” instead of asking for direction. It took too much energy to decide, call them, and make arrangements. I wish someone would have said, “I’ll bring dinner,” or “I’ll baby-sit Sunday afternoon so you and your husband can go out to lunch together.”
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Before You Go
- 2. The Emergency Room
- 3. Preparing Your Child
- 4. The Facilities
- 5. The Staff
- 6. Communicating with Doctors
- 7. Common Procedures
- 8. Surgery
- 9. Pain Management
- 10. Family and Friends. What to Say
- 11. Family and Friends. How to Help
- 12. Feelings and Behavior
- 13. Siblings
- 14. Long-Term Illness or Injury
- 15. School
- 16. Medical and Financial Records
- 17. Insurance
- 18. Sources of Financial Help
- 19. Looking Back
- My Hospital Journal
- Packing List
- Resources
- Contributors
- About the Author