Ways to help yourself when your child is in hospital

When you have a sick child, it can feel as if your whole world has been turned upside down. Some parents say everything feels unreal and it is almost as if they are watching themselves in the situation.

Naturally, your focus is on your child and helping them recover/ cope with what is happening to them. However, keeping yourself well will help your child. The following information gives some ideas and suggestions to help you and your family through this experience whilst your child is in hospital:

Your Emotional Wellbeing

It is completely understandable if you feel a range of emotions whilst your child is in hospital. We would encourage you to be kind to yourselves and think about what you need to get through this. Some people find it helpful to see familiar faces, such as close friends/family, or finding an activity which helps you to feel more connected again. Some examples of this could be knitting, exercise, going to the chapel, or just having some general quiet time for you.

If you are on any medication (for your physical or emotional wellbeing), ask a friend or family member to bring this in for you as it is important for you to keep taking this. Please speak to any member of the PICU team if you have any concerns about this.

Should you or a family member feel overwhelmed, please ask to speak to one of the counselling/psychology team, or contact your GP. You can also contact111 option 2.

Exercise

If you are normally active, sitting in hospital will be very hard. Check with staff when there is a good time to leave the ward, and go for a run or a walk near the hospital. However active you normally are, it is important to try to get fresh air regularly, many parents report that it is useful to take breaks from being on the unit/ward.

Eating and drinking

Ensure that you eat a balanced diet as much as possible. Ask people to bring in fresh food for you. Eating little and often can help you feel better, as can drinking plenty of fluids. If you are breastfeeding, you are entitled to have a hot meal from the food trolley. Please ask any member of staff on PICU about this.

Sleep

It is normal if you notice a disruption to your sleep whilst your child is in hospital. Some things which could help with this is if you could have a warm bath/shower, read or do something like watching TV to help relax a little. In addition to these ideas, other parents have shared with us that having a walk around the hospital site can help. Listening to soothing music / sounds (such as white noise), or downloading a mindfulness track/guided meditation can help with sleep.

Accepting help from your social network

It can feel hard to keep on top of things at home when your child is in hospital. When friends/family/local community offer to help there are things they can do to make life a little easier. Some ideas of ways they can help include:

• Taking/collecting other children from school
• Having your other children after school/for sleepovers

Making a meal either for now or for the freezer Organising an activity for your other children Household cleaning or laundry

Help with pets

• Cancelling any booked appointments for you
• Collecting medication for you (if needed)

Contacts/Further information

Please talk to the Nurse in Charge or any member of the PICU team should you want any further support whilst your child is in hospital.