Ultimate Guide For Cheering Up A Child In The Hospital

Is a child you love and care about in the hospital?

About to have surgery or going through treatment?

If so, my heart goes out to them… and to you. In the biggest way possible.

When my son was only a few months old he was suddenly admitted to the hospital out of nowhere.

Having been there, I just want to start by saying… keep positive… stay strong!

Healing goes well beyond medicine.

Studies show that the involvement of family and friends in caring for a patient results in better and faster healing.

When you make a child feel comfortable in the hospital – both physically and emotionally – it helps them feel better soon!

WE LOVE OUR KIDS

Whether you’re a parent, aunt, grandparent, or friend… there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for the wonderful children in our lives.

Especially when they’re sick.

And even more when it gets serious.

Since we can’t make the medicine taste better… or take away their pain… let’s focus on some things we CAN do to shower them with a ton of strength, comfort and encouragement.

Today I want to share some special ways that you can put a HUGE smile on a little face that needs some cheering up!

And – more importantly – help bring some fun to their healing process!

A Few Hospital Things To Keep In Mind

Even though many hospitals have amazing play programs for children, it’s a good idea to bring some new toys of their own – especially ones that they’ll cuddle up with.
Try to stay away from giving anything too complicated for a child who doesn’t feel well. Simple is not only good… it’s great.
It would be wonderful if hospital rooms weren’t so small – but a lot of times they are. And moving rooms is always a possibility. So be sure to avoid anything too large or cumbersome.
When in doubt… just ask! Find out if there are any restrictions due to their condition. A lot of hospitals won’t allow flowers or food. Many times balloons can be restricted because of latex allergies.

What Makes A Great Get Well Gift?

We’ve all heard it a million times… it’s the thought that counts!

Yes — true. But that’s usually so much easier said than done.

A meaningful Feel Better Gift will be:

Personal + Comforting

Fun + Cheerful

Compact + Budget-Friendly

Remember that special gifts don’t have to be expensive… they just have to be from the heart!

More Than Just A Gift.

A Special Way To Say…

YOU ARE STRONG

Hospitals can be a scary place for kids of any age. (And let’s be honest… for adults too.) Being hooked up to machines is so critical for getting care – but kids don’t always understand what’s happening. That’s why IV Hero is so awesome.

It’s a superhero themed sleeve that’s specifically made to cover the intravenous bag! Genius, right!

By opening the door of imagination with Super Sally or Super Sam, IV Hero helps children be less afraid and more willing to take their treatments. An amazing gift for our REAL little heroes!

IV Hero is accepted in all hospitals and there are a bunch of different characters to choose from. Also, for just $1 you can donate these to hospitals in need. That’s an incredible way to spread some love and keep the kindness moving forward!

Want another idea to REALLY get them into character? Check out these cool SuperHealos Capes! They’re designed to help kids find extra strength and courage!

YOU ARE SILLY

Turn a difficult topic around with a soft little specimen. Who knew that organs could be so cute?

They make a very unique gift that will keep your child company while reminding them that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Plush organs are perfect for before & after surgery.

12 different squishy organs are available — all in different colors to keep things light and bright. And the tags come with some fun facts to learn more about each.

Nothing is more important to healing than keeping it fun… and silly! I never knew a gall bladder had a smiley face!

YOU ARE STYLIN’

What’s better for a boo-boo than an Ouchies Bandage? These decorated bandages are perfect for bringing positive vibes during a difficult time.

Designed By Kids For Kids, they come in different looks with a cute drawing and cheerful quotes like “Love is Cure” and “Never Give Up.”

100% of profits go to Pediatric Cancer Charities.

They make healing much cooler with bright and colorful designs and are latex free.

Hide your wound… not your style!

(Also… if your child requires a nasal feeding tube, check out these Feeding Friends! They make dressings for PICC lines, Central lines, Nasal Cannulas way more kid friendly. The goal is to provide a fun and safe alternative to traditional retention tape.)

YOU ARE SPECIAL

This book is a great, comforting item for girls coping with hair loss from chemotherapy. An inspirational read to cheer them up when things are getting a little tough.

The story is about two young girls having problems with their hair. While one of them wants it longer, the other one, who has lost her hair during her cancer treatment, would just love her hair back.

It’s a touching story that teaches children to have confidence in themselves and to be courageous. It brings the ultimate message that each person is different and unique in their own way. It’s full of amazing illustrations and also comes with a discussion guide for parents and a list of fun activities for kids.

A few other books to comfort kids during a hospital stay:

Franklin goes to the hospital for an operation to repair his broken shell, and everyone thinks he’s being very brave. But Franklin is only pretending to be fearless. With the help of Dr. Bear, Franklin learns that even though he’s feeling scared, he can still be brave. Great for kids around 3 to 7 years old.

Dr. Bhatia’s book takes a potentially scary experience and turns it into a fun adventure. The story, complete with great illustrations, is a wonderful way to introduce the topic of surgery to children. A must read for any young child who needs an operation.

When Jessica, 6, falls and breaks her arm, the doctor orders X-rays. At first she’s scared, but a reassuring technician explains how everything works. Featuring six real x-rays printed on mylar, it’s a unique and fun look inside our bodies and the world of x-rays.

Luke is having surgery for placement of ear tubes. Children about to undergo any kind of surgery will enjoy learning from Luke as he retells his story. It’s a sympathetic and honest look at what to expect when having a minor operation. Great for kids 6 and up.

Also geared for older kids, this is an interactive book that gives children the opportunity to create their own stories of hope and discovery about their health care experience. Start the conversation about their feelings and emotions.

YOU ARE SNUGGLED

A soft stuffed animal is just what any child can use… even if they’re a little older! Snuggling at bedtime (or anytime, really) with a friend like Hooty is so sweet and comforting… and soothing. He’s meant to be a favorite recovery buddy – and will be there to join in on extra long snoozes that are so important for recovery!

There’s a bonus too – Hooty is gently scented with relaxing lavender which helps bring a sense of calm to everyone around. Check out why lavender is helpful for hospital patients. He can be warmed up to help relieve pain and discomfort.

And Hooty – or any of the other characters – isn’t just good for getting some sleep. This owl is always ready for playtime too. Great way to give a companion that’s so lovable, cute and comforting.

AND… CAN’T FORGET… YOU ARE LOVED!!!

You can create a one-of-a-kind care package quickly & easily with The Hospital Box.

It’s a perfect way to brighten up their room with cheerful colors and inspirational messages!

And make them LAUGH!

The best part is that you can attach personal photos… so your child will see a constant reminder of your TLC… especially when visiting hours are over.

Seeing familiar faces is so reassuring for little ones.

Three “Open When” bags are included — they’re a fun place to add notes or drawings – or maybe a little candy (if allowed).

They’ll be excited to open each one and find a surprise. For older kids, you might want to ask friends, teachers or teammates to write notes that you can stuff inside.

This care package is all about them – in a place where they have very little control over what’s going on. It will help keep their mind on other things and not on the reason they’re in the hospital.

Special Idea… Include Their Siblings

Sometimes when one child in a family has health care needs, it’s normal for brothers or sisters to have a lot of different feelings and emotions.

Ask if they would like to help put together a gift with you.

It’s a special way to involve them in the healing process… especially if they aren’t able to visit in person.

Plus… You’re Making A Difference & Helping Other Children!

The Hospital Box is a proud supporter of The Confetti Foundation!

Throughout the month of April, $1 for every box purchased will be donated to this wonderful organization.

THE MISSION OF THE CONFETTI FOUNDATION IS TO SUPPLY BIRTHDAY PARTIES TO CHILDREN WHO  HAVE TO SPEND THEIR BIRTHDAY IN THE HOSPITAL.

The foundation was started with the hope that families will be able to shift their focus from their child’s sickness for just 30 minutes and celebrate.

Although the party is not a cure, it will be a welcome distraction and good reminder that every child deserves to be celebrated.

So not only will your care package bring love & happiness to your child… but each one will also help brighten the day (the BIG day!) of another child.

Happiness Heals — thank you for sharing the love!

Check out other ways you can support The Confetti Foundation!

A Personal Touch Means So Much!

When a child in your life is on the road to recovery, there’s very little time to come up with great ways to brighten their day.

Hopefully this list has helped you find some new ideas to bring hope, joy & happiness their way… just with simple and sweet gestures.

That’s love! Sometimes the small things mean the most!

Hope your special gift will, at the very least, put a smile on their face… and make their spirits soar!

Wishing your little one a fast recovery – Feel Better Very Soon!

xoxo,
Kari

P.S. Two quick things…

You can sign up for some Get Well Quotes below.
PLUS… I’ll send you ANOTHER FREE GIFT that’s a great way to bring some FUN to the healing process! So many people have loved it… and I think you will too!