7yo in the hospital-what to bring?

[arch01]

I just got a phone call from the mom of one of my swim lessons (I teach PT) that I've had for 3 years, her daughter is in the hospital with a slew of symptoms, but they don't know what exactly is wrong. I asked if I could come visit and she said yes, her daughter would love that.

She is incredibly smart and highly active, so I know this is killing her to be there. She'll be 7 in 2 weeks. I want to bring her something to do while she's there, and also bring something to the parents. I told them to call me if they need anything, I'd be happy to bring coffee, stop by and pick up a meal, etc. for them...

I'll probably go either tomorrow or Thursday-since they don't know what's wrong, they expect to be there for several days. What would you bring?

[lindyanne]

I just packed a bag for an 8 year old who's going to be in for an undetermined amount of time when she gets a brain tumor removed. I got slippers, a robe, a cute pillow, an activity book (like mazes and stuff), a new coloring book, and a jewelry making kit.

[dumbledore826]

Something she can do in bed (color, puzzle, new books, crafts). Find out if she has any food restrictions, and if not, some treats.

Not sure how close you are with the parents, but when you're there try to convince them to step out for a few minutes. Send them to the cafe to get coffee or something. My BFF's then 3 yr old was in the hospital for over a month, and it took a lot of prodding (and some threats), but when I went to visit I made her leave the room for 5-10 minutes. Also, if the parents are in a situation where they can't be with her all the time (work schedule or something), volunteer to sit with her when they can't be there. Also, just show up with food. My BFF always said they didn't need anything, but was grateful/starving when I put the food in her hands.

[liveintheville]

I agree with craft ideas like the jewelry making kit. Also, kids love balloons.

[dr.girlfriend]

Nov 20, 2012 9:01:44 GMT -5 liveintheville said:

I agree with craft ideas like the jewelry making kit. Also, kids love balloons.

Just make sure they're mylar balloons (the shiny silver ones). You can't bring regular (latex) balloons into a hospital. I think craft stuff would be good, or magazines. It's hard to know what she'll feel up for. If she's nauseous or something it might be harder, and books on tape or something might be better.

[nonsenseabound]

I agree with the craft suggestions. At 7, I would also bring books and offer to go to the library to do exchanges if I was close to the family. Librarians will often even pull age appropriate books if you tell the the situations.

[CloudBee]

-Highlights magazine
-beading kit or other craft (toy section in drugstore, or party section at Target)
-new pack of crayons/markers and a Crayola spiral pad of paper (msot drugstore have them)
-stickers
-cute pair of socks
-headband or hair fun colored hair elastics if she has long hair
-Lip Smacker's brand single chapstick

[BAMFMrsB]

Nov 20, 2012 8:34:16 GMT -5 dumbledore826 said:

Something she can do in bed (color, puzzle, new books, crafts). Find out if she has any food restrictions, and if not, some treats.

Not sure how close you are with the parents, but when you're there try to convince them to step out for a few minutes. Send them to the cafe to get coffee or something. My BFF's then 3 yr old was in the hospital for over a month, and it took a lot of prodding (and some threats), but when I went to visit I made her leave the room for 5-10 minutes. Also, if the parents are in a situation where they can't be with her all the time (work schedule or something), volunteer to sit with her when they can't be there. Also, just show up with food. My BFF always said they didn't need anything, but was grateful/starving when I put the food in her hands.

This is really good advice. We were always starving or spending $$$ on crap food while BabyBAMF was in the NICU. It sucked to have such crappy choices. The cafeteria was clsoed for renovation :@ so we had a Starbucks or a McD's. Yes, a McDonalds is in the hospital.

I love the library books idea too!

[arch01]

Thanks everyone. I'm planning on going either tonight or tomorrow to Target to get some stuff for her. The mom was in tears on the phone, I just cannot imagine how scary this is for them

I am pretty certain that they have a laptop there (just knowing the family), I'm also going to offer my login for Netflix so they have some movies for her to watch if they don't already have it.