The Room

Hospital rooms are often painted bland shades of gray or green, and somehow, most windows seem to look out over a power plant. Covering the walls with big, bright posters (Disney characters, sports figures, rock groups) can liven up the room immensely.

The first thing we put up in Meagan's room was a huge poster of The Little Engine That Could saying, "I think I can, I think I can."

You can display cards on the walls, hanging from strings like a mobile, or taped around the windowsills. Many families put up pictures of the child engaged in her favorite activity, and add photos of friends, too. Most hospitals don't allow flowers (can cause fungal infections) on oncology floors, but it's fun to have bouquets of balloons bobbing in the corners. Younger children derive great comfort from having a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or quilt on their bed. If it doesn't bother your child, make the room smell good with potpourri or aromatherapy oils.

To personalize the visit of each member of the medical staff, some parents bring a guest book to sign. Others put up a visitor sign-in poster, which must be signed before examinations begin or vital signs are taken. Another variation of the sign-in poster is to have each staff member outline her hand and write within the print.

In my position as a parent consultant, I suggest that a journal (some titles are Book of Hope, Book of Sharing, My Cancer Experience, or Friends Indeed) be kept in the child's room for any visitor, family member, or medical caregiver to write in at any time. Leaving a message if the child is sleeping or out of the room for procedures can be a nice surprise. Later, a surviving child and her family, or the family of a child who has died, have a memory book of those who have touched their lives.

Playing music will help block out some of the hospital noise as well as help everyone relax. A small cassette player, CD player with earphones, or a boom box is portable and useful.

My daughter's preschool teacher sent a care package. She made a felt board with dozens of cutout characters and designs that provided hours of quiet entertainment. She also included games, drawings from each classmate, coloring books, markers, get well cards, and a child's tape player with ear phones. Because we had run out of our house with just the clothes on our backs, all of these toys were very, very welcome.

Although many hospitals provide brightly colored smocks for the patients, most children and teens prefer to wear their own clothing if at all possible. This can pose a laundry problem, so check to see if the floor has washers available for families to use.

As soon as possible after admission, ask for a "floor tour." Find out if a microwave and refrigerator are available, learn what the approved parent sleeping arrangements are, and ask about showers and bathtubs for both patients and parents. Obtain a hospital handbook if one is available. These booklets often include information on billing, parking, discounts, and other helpful items.

Many children's hospitals have VCRs available. Sign up for a convenient time and bring in or rent a favorite or funny video. Humor helps. Bring in age-appropriate games, puzzles, and books.

A friend brought in a bag from the local dime store. He included a water pistol (good for unwelcome visitors or unfriendly interns), play dough, slinky, checkers, dominos, bubbles, a book of corny jokes, and puzzles.