Mom's goodnight kiss is still good medicine.
Coming to Children's
Your CHILD'S HOSPITAL STAY
Bringing your child to the hospital, whether for a routine exam or a surgical procedure, can be scary. But talking about it will help your child feel more confident and secure about coming to the hospital. The information here is meant to help. If you have any questions, please ask us.
Talk to your child about coming to the hospital
Talk with your child about what to expect. Kids may have lots of questions, including these examples:
• Why do I have to go to the hospital?
• Where will I be while I’m at the hospital?
• Where will you be while I’m at the hospital?
• How long will I have to stay?
You can tell your child that Children’s Hospital is a place where kids receive care so they can get better and go home to their families. Let your child know it’s a place just for kids, where all the grown-ups are there to help.
Best times to talk about hospitalization
Children under 4 live very much in the moment, so it’s best to tell them about their hospital stay just a day or two before admission.
Older children will need more time to think about what you tell them and to ask questions.
For kids of all ages, it’s important to encourage questions and give as much honest information as your child can understand.
Entering Children's
Every visit to Children’s starts with a stop at the Ambassador’s desk. You’ll find one just inside the main entrance — in the main hospital and in the Outpatient Center. The ambassador will give you a mandatory badge and perform a quick health screening of other children with you.
Ambassadors can give you directions, and also tell you about local restaurants, food takeout and delivery, and local attractions and accommodations. The Ambassador Desk's phone number is 3474.
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