Alleviating loneliness and boredom during hospitalization

Clinical Social Worker Kathryn Elison, MSW, shares advice for parents with a hospitalized child on how to help alleviate your child's loneliness and boredom in the hospital
Advice For Helping A Hospitalized Child With Loneliness And Boredom
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Alleviating loneliness and boredom during hospitalization

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During your child's hospitalization, it can seem like all you have is free time, and it can be daunting trying to figure out how to fill it. Children can often become bored and lonely during hospitalizations. One of the ways we combat that is by working with families to create a clear plan to provide support to the patient. Another thing you can do is help provide your child with age-appropriate materials that they can do throughout the day, such as puzzles, books, DVDs, and games. And if you're able to spend the time with your child in the hospital, don't forget you can just hang out like normal. You can have conversations, watch movies, and spend time together as you would at home, even though you're in the hospital. Trying to maintain that sense of normalcy will really help soothe your child throughout a stressful hospital stay.

Clinical Social Worker Kathryn Elison, MSW, shares advice for parents with a hospitalized child on how to help alleviate your child's loneliness and boredom in the hospital

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Kathryn Elison, MSW

Clinical Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Kathryn Elison is a Clinical Social Worker at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She was drawn to her profession because of her passion to provide support to families experiencing a medical crisis. Kathryn accompanies her patients and their families during one of the most stressful journeys of their lives, helping them navigate through this challenge and supporting them each step of the way. A native of North Carolina, Kathryn moved to Los Angeles, CA after receiving a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys exploring her new home state of California with her husband Jed and her dog Sallie.

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Transcription: 
During your child's hospitalization, it can seem like all you have is free time, and it can be daunting trying to figure out how to fill it. Children can often become bored and lonely during hospitalizations. One of the ways we combat that is by working with families to create a clear plan to provide support to the patient. Another thing you can do is help provide your child with age-appropriate materials that they can do throughout the day, such as puzzles, books, DVDs, and games. And if you're able to spend the time with your child in the hospital, don't forget you can just hang out like normal. You can have conversations, watch movies, and spend time together as you would at home, even though you're in the hospital. Trying to maintain that sense of normalcy will really help soothe your child throughout a stressful hospital stay.