Before Your Visit > Helping Your Child Cope
At St. Christopher's Hospital for Children we know that some kids are unsure of what will happen when they come to see the doctor or stay in the hospital.
In order to help your child cope with a hospital stay, it may help for you and your child to visit the hospital for a tour before your child’s scheduled date of admission. St. Chris would be happy to set up a private tour for you and your family. We can also offer tips on how to prepare your child at home, what to bring with you, and other ways to make your child feel more comfortable with coming to the hospital. For more information, please call Child Life at (215) 427-5321.
If you unable to come for a tour, pre-operative teaching will be provided on the day of your child's scheduled procedure. There is also a multidisciplinary team to guide both you and your child through the day of surgery. If you have questions concerning your child's procedure or surgery, make sure to ask that day.
Some other things you can do to help your child prepare are:
- Have your child bring a special toy or stuffed animal from home.
- Ask your child to write down any questions he or she might have to bring along to the hospital to ask a medical team member.
- Remind your child that the hospital staff is always available to answer questions about his or her health. Tell your child not to be afraid to ask anything.
- Find a book that describes a hospital stay and read it aloud with your child.
