Helping a Friend: 8 Ways to Support a Child in Hospital

Life takes us in many unexpected places, and sometimes we found ourselves with a friend whose child is very sick and in the hospital. It’s at these times our friends needs us the most, even though we may feel at a loss to help them in any way. How can our friendship even matter when their child is fighting cancer, was born premature or battling an disease we can’t even pronounce? I recently spoke to a friend of mine who’s daughter has spent the first two years of her life in and out of the hospital and she couldn’t reiterate strongly enough how much a helping hand was instrumental in her family enduring such a difficult time. Here are some ways you can help a friend in their time of need.

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1. Visit Them In The Hospital

Spending days and weeks in the hospital is second nature for a parent who’s child is very ill. But it’s also a very lonely place, and that’s why visiting is the easiest and one of the most helpful ways to be there for your friend. Toss aside your dislike for the hospital, and disregard their “I’m fine” statements. No one is fine if they have a child hospitalized. You don’t have to make it a long visit (in fact, you shouldn’t), but just show up and show your friend you’re there for them.

2.Offer To Care For Their Pets At Home

Families with pets consider their fur babes as an extension of their family. It can be stressful to worry about leaving your sick child to run home and let the dog out and make sure they have food and water. Remove the worry and offer to care for their pet during the day. If you’re brave, you can even pet sit at your house! Your friend will be so relieved to have one less thing to worry about.

3. Bring Easy, Healthy Meals To Their Home

If your friends come home at night and do not stay at the hospital with their child, food is always welcome. Eating hospital food will leave any palette craving something healthy, so try your best to bring a meal that’s good for the body and soul. Make it simple and easy to put together.

4. Take Activities To The Hospital

You’ll don’t have to be a patient in a hospital to know that endless days spent in a hospital bed are boring. Both parents and kids will appreciate simple entertainment activities to pass the time. Movies, coloring books with new coloring pencils, sudoku puzzles and decks of cards are just some ideas that your friends will appreciate.

5. Be Physically Present For Surgery Days

Some children are in the hospital awaiting surgery, which is an extremely stressful time for parents. On surgery days, offer to go to the hospital and just BE with your friend. Spend time in prayer with them, and comfort them in ways only a wonderful friend like you knows how.

6. Help With Siblings

Many parents still have siblings that they need to care for in addition to their hospitalized family. This usually means one parents is at the hospital while the other is caring for brothers and sisters, and the time spent apart brings extra stress. If you can, offer to take a sibling for an afternoon or even night so the parents can be together with their child. You can even offer to just help with simple things like pick up or drop off from school. Every little bit helps.

7. Bring Toiletries To The Hospital

Many times a sick child will be rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, or admitted without warning after a doctor appointment. In serious situations like this, the last thing a parent wants to do is leave their child to run home for a change of clothes and a toothbrush. Offer to stop by their house or even run to the drugstore on the way to bring them their contact solution and toothpaste. You will give them precious time they need to be with their child.

8. Bring Meals To The Hospital

One night in the hospital will tell you that they aren’t known for their delicious cuisine. You friend will be so happy just to have their favorite take out or a homemade sandwich- anything to make them forget their worries just for a minute. Food is such an easy and thoughtful way to show your friend you care.

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Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle

I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!