When faced with hospitalization and other medical encounters, fear and anxiety are common in children of all ages. There are many coping strategies that can be used during hospitalization and other difficult life experiences. Knowing what coping strategy works best can empower a child and, as a result, help them to overcome painful or stressful events.
Coping strategies that often help patients and families during hospitalization and other medical encounters include:
- Deep breathing:
Taking slow and steady breaths makes it easier for children to relax their muscles and regulate their breathing. - Guided imagery:
Through their imaginations, children are able to escape from experiences of pain and stress by focusing their attention on more enjoyable experiences. - Distraction:
By redirecting a child’s attention away from their pain and stress, caregivers can help children to focus on something more pleasant. - Journaling:
Allows children and adolescents to express themselves through writing. - Arts and Crafts:
Creating and taking pride in their own work of art gives children a much-needed sense of control. - Music:
Listening to music stimulates relaxation and promotes feelings of well-being and security. For older kids and adolescents, music is also a great form of self-expression.
Below are tips for coping with pain and stress, specific to your child's developmental level.
Infants (birth-12 months)
- being close to caregivers/loved ones
- pacifiers
- rattles
- mobiles
- soothing music
Toddlers (13-24 months) & Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- being close to caregivers/loved ones
- bubbles
- party blowers/pinwheels
- coloring books/drawing/painting
- stuffed animals/baby dolls/toy cars
- soothing music
- favorite books and TV shows
- medical play sessions
School-Age (6-12 years)
- being close to caregivers/loved ones
- bubbles
- tension balls
- imagery
- journaling
- soothing music
- movies
- coloring books/drawing/painting
- activity/fun pads
- medical play sessions
Adolescents/Teens (12 years and up)
- being close to caregivers/loved ones
- talking/visiting with friends
- bubbles
- board games
- tension balls
- guided imagery
- soothing music
- journaling
- movies
- activity/fun pads
- medical play sessions
- asking questions