How to Entertain a Child in Hospital

Having a child confined in the hospital is stressful for the child and the family. To make your child comfortable, provide things for him to do. Follow these directions to entertain your child in the hospital.

Things You'll Need

• Books
• Pens and pencils
• Paper and notebooks
• Markers, crayons and pencil crayons

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Provide comfort. Realize your child may be afraid and need you near, especially younger children. Sing songs, play games or have conversations you would normally have at home. Keeping things normal provides comfort.

• 2

  Read books to children of all ages. Your voice provides comfort and the story helps them escape from the hospital room. Younger children might like the Little Critter's hospital book or other books about children in hospitals.

• 3

  Bring things from home especially things from their bedroom like favorite toys, books and stuffed animals. Children find their own things comforting and entertaining.

• 4

  Supply your child with paper and different colored pens, markers, crayons or pencil crayons. Children in bed may prefer a bound pad of paper or notebook because it's easier to use.

• 5

  Find out if you can bring in video games, music players and electronic toys. Ask if you can bring in a laptop. You might not be able to get Internet access, but you could watch movies on it.

• 6

  Join any hospital programs. Children's hospitals often have daily programs for children. See if there is a calendar of organized activities like games or crafts. Even children in bed or wheel chairs can be wheeled to some things.

• 7

  See if there is a playroom at your hospital. Children's hospitals often have playrooms. Your child can play there with you and their siblings. You may be able to borrow toys for children who cannot leave their rooms.