Your child may need to spend a lot of time in the hospital. Many children may find adapting to their new hospital environment stressful. Playtime at the hospital can help.
Achild life specialist will work with you and your child throughout the hospital stay. You can work together to engage your child in activities.
Play therapy
This therapy uses play to help your child express their emotions and feelings. A child therapist engages your child to help deal with what they are going through by using creative techniques such as, drama, drawing, story-telling, puppets and masks, music, dance and clay. This helps give them strategies to cope with their circumstances which they cannot change, and look forward to a positive future.
Some hospitals will have a therapeutic clown. They help bring laughter and joy to your child while they are being treated in the hospital. The clown engages your child to play and have fun, helping them deal with the stress of medical tests and operations.
Choosing toys and games for your child in hospital
The types of activities you choose depend on your child's age. There are many playtime activities for at the hospital for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Likewise, many different toys and activities are appropriate during playtime with your school-aged child. Teenagers can engage in other activities, like movie nights or catching up on their favourite books, while in the hospital.