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How can I help my child be prepared for their visit to the hospital?
We recognize that as a parent, you know your child best. Through our experiences working with other children in the hospital, we’ve learned it is helpful to provide honest information to your child about their visit. When children know what to expect, they are able to cope positively with a new or stressful experience. If you would like support with preparing your child for an upcoming test, procedure or surgery, please contact our Child Life Specialists at 603-663-3416.
Preparation
Informational Preparation Videos
Please visit our YouTube page to hear a read aloud of each of the preparation books. Our team of Child Life Specialists carefully curated and designed preparation books specifically geared towards providing developmentally appropriate education to children who may be preparing for upcoming procedures.
Pediatric Unit Preparation Books
- Pediatric Unit Admission
- Clean-Out Admission
- Clean-Out Admission (Sensory Sensitive Version)
Emergency Room Preparation Books
Outpatient Preparation Books
- Doctor’s Office Visit
- Surgery
- Non-Sedated MRI
- Sedated MRI
- EEG (Routine In-Office)
- EEG (Take Home)
Services for Siblings and Children of Adult Patients
When one of your loved ones is hospitalized, sometimes it can be difficult to know how to tell the children in your life. We’re here to help! We are trained in the use of developmentally appropriate language to help children understand and cope with this experience. We can provide preparation prior to your child’s visit so they have a greater understanding of what to expect, we can provide resources to help them cope with this experience, and we can even coordinate a time to accompany you and your child during their visit.
Please ask your loved one’s nurse/healthcare team to contact Child Life Services. We will work with you and your family to learn how we can best provide support.
What Should I Bring to the Hospital?
One of our main goals is to help normalize children’s stay at the hospital. This means making the environment feel as comfortable and home-like as possible. Doing so can help children cope positively with their time at the hospital. We’ve found it is helpful for children and families to bring…
- A favorite stuffed animal
- Blanket(s) from home
- Pictures of family and friends to put in their room
- Some of their favorite toys/ activities