When a parent or caregiver is suddenly hospitalised, it disrupts the lives of the entire family—especially children and young people, who may feel confused, scared, or even guilty about the change in their routine. Extra reassurance, stability, and understanding are often needed in these situations. Supporting them through this challenging time can make a big difference in their emotional well-being and help them build resilience.
Encourage Healthy Expression
Children and young people often struggle to articulate complex emotions, especially when they’re worried about a loved one. Providing various outlets for expression can help them healthily process these feelings.
- Art & Creativity: Drawing, painting, or other art forms can give children a safe and expressive outlet for their emotions. Young children may naturally express their feelings through play, which can provide insight into their thoughts.
- Journaling: For older children and teenagers, journaling offers a private way to explore emotions and can serve as a tool for self-reflection and release.
- Role-Playing: Sometimes, children feel safer expressing emotions through storytelling or role-playing with dolls, figures, or puppets. This can help them articulate feelings indirectly.
Active Listening
Encourage open conversations by asking gentle questions and validating their emotions. Avoid rushing to solve their worries; instead, listen with empathy and patience.
Offer Stability with Consistent Routines
When a loved one is in the hospital, a child’s sense of stability can feel threatened. Maintaining consistency in their day-to-day life can help ease this stress.
- Daily Routines: Continue with daily schedules as much as possible—school, meals, bedtimes, and activities. Familiar routines create a sense of predictability and security, helping children feel more grounded.
- Check-In Points: Schedule regular “check-in” times to ensure they feel supported. Even a few minutes of dedicated time each day can reassure them that they are still cared for and understood.
- Continued Activities: Encourage children to keep up with extracurricular activities, hobbies, or time with friends. Engaging in familiar interests gives them a break from stress and can be a positive outlet for their energy.
Provide Age-Appropriate Resources and Support
Various tools are available to help children navigate their emotions during difficult times. Offering resources appropriate to their age and needs can make a big difference.
- Books: Many books cover themes of resilience, change, and dealing with illness in the family. Reading together can help children understand what they’re going through and feel less alone.
- Counselling or Support Groups: For some children, talking with a professional counsellor or joining a support group can be incredibly beneficial. It provides a safe environment for them to explore and work through their emotions with a trained listener.
- Peer Support: Sometimes, connecting with other kids or teens in similar situations can help normalize their feelings. Local organizations or online communities may offer support groups for children with an ill family member.
Show Compassion Through Reassurance and Validation
During times of uncertainty, children may feel a mix of emotions—from fear and sadness to guilt and confusion. Reassuring them of their feelings’ validity is essential.
- Acknowledge Feelings: When children express sadness, anger, or worry, reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way. A simple “I understand you’re feeling scared, and that’s completely normal” can go a long way.
- Physical Comfort: Sometimes, a hug, holding hands, or sitting close can provide the comfort they need. For many children, physical touch is a strong source of reassurance.
- Offer Hope: While it’s essential to be honest, focus on positive messages that provide hope, such as “The doctors are working hard to make them better” or “We’re here for each other, and we’ll get through this together.”
Practical Tips for Parents, Carers, and Supporters
- Be Honest But Age-Appropriate: Children and young people can sense something wrong, so it’s better to provide gentle, age-appropriate explanations than to leave them in the dark.
- Balance Information with Reassurance: Share enough information to answer their questions but keep it balanced with reassurances. Avoid overloading them with details, and be open to answering questions over time rather than all at once.
Conclusion
Helping children navigate a parent or carer’s hospitalisation creates a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Each child’s response will be unique, and by being flexible, patient, and compassionate, we can support them through this challenging time, helping them develop resilience that will serve them well in the future.
We should focus on making children feel valued and understood in difficult times. Let’s be there for them, giving them the tools and support to manage their feelings and keep moving forward.
