Ease Their Fears

Accidents happen unexpectedly. Bumps on the head during a soccer game, a broken bone after falling off a bike or an asthma attack can warrant a trip to the hospitals. Hospitals are full of large and noisy machines, tons of doctors and nurses and unfamiliar medical instruments which can create a very overwhelming environment for you and your child.

There are a number of things you can do to help ease your child’s fears during their time in the hospital. The most important thing you can do is try and stay calm yourself. As a parent, your nerves are rattled because your child isn’t feeling well and there isn’t much you can do to comfort them. If you remain calm, adjust your tone of voice and keep your body language in check, this can help your child feel comfortable.

A hospital environment can feel sterile and cold, but a few items from home can warm up the space and make it feel familiar. If your child has a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, a picture of the family pet or even a favorite book they like to read, this could help your child feel less anxious.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, the flagship of BayCare Kids in Tampa, Florida, we’re dedicated to children and their unique needs. Our hospital is designed just for kids, offering comprehensive care across more than 15 specialties. The Steinbrenner Children’s Emergency and Trauma Center is a level II pediatric trauma center, where our expert team uses the latest technologies to expedite treatment and enhance outcomes. Beyond medical care, we also support the emotional well-being of our patients. Our Child Life Specialists work with the children as well as their parents and siblings to help them cope with fears of the hospital.

We recognize the fears children have surrounding health care. That’s why we created UnMonsters® to show that what appears to be scary isn’t so scary after all.