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. How-ever, 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.