Separation from Family

Being separated from a family member can be stressful for children at any time. Being separated from a parent - because that parent is hospitalized, because the parent is often visiting another family member who is in the hospital, or because the child is hospitalized - can be even more stressful. A lack of communication between the hospital and home, the loss of a normal routine, uncertainty about what is expected and a loss of control over the situation can affect children of all ages, in a number of ways. But there are some things you can do to help children cope. 

If your child is in the hospital, make sure she has her favorite items from home. Consider recording your voice, perhaps while reading a favorite story or singing a favorite song. If you're hospitalized and your child is at home, use familiar caregivers to help ease your child's stress, and keep your child in her home environment if possible.

If you can, have frequent phone conversations with your child. Send him e-mails or text messages, write letters, keep a journal or scrapbook about what's happening at home to share with the parent or child when he or she returns, or make greeting cards for each other.

Let your child take her favorite things to the hospital or to the place she may be staying while you're hospitalized. Help your child paint or color pictures to decorate the hospital room, or make a collage that is "all about" the parent who's hospitalized.

Routines are important to children, so sleep, eat and play at regular times that your child is familiar with. If you're hospitalized, try to make sure your child's caregiver is familiar with your family's routines and habits. As much as possible, try to keep appointments and commitments.