Is it okay to bring a child to the hospital?

59. Is it okay to bring a child to the hospital?

Mark’s comment:

Children have the right to see their sick grandparent or
parent, dying or not. Death is part of life, and though this
might be the first time the child sees it, it won’t be the
last—so don’t treat it like it’s some great horror or mystery
for the kid to be afraid of. Kids get more upset if
they’re not allowed to say their goodbyes to dying relatives,
so you’re not doing them any favors by keeping them
out of the sick room.

Some children become very involved and interested in
cancer and treatment. They may even want to attend
appointments or visit their parent at the hospital.

Allowing them to attend an appointment (after first
discussing this with your physician and establishing
guidelines) may be a good way for them to be reassured
and have the opportunity to ask questions. However,
it is important not to overwhelm them with
information; otherwise, this meeting may make them
more anxious and have the opposite effect of what was
intended.

Children who want to go to chemotherapy or visit the
hospital should be prepared beforehand. Tell them
about the treatments and about what they might see
(including tubes, other sick patients, and so on). Taking
a picture of your wife in treatment can also help
them visualize what they might see before they arrive.

Some children want to learn about all the tubes,
stitches, and other accessories of treatment. Feel free to
give them as much information as you, and they, feel
comfortable with. Remember, you are the expert on
your child, so pay attention to your instincts, and stop
when you feel he or she has experienced enough.

Since most hospitals have visiting hours and policies
that may restrict child visitors under a certain age, ask
about your hospital’s policies before bringing your
child to visit.