Millions of parents take a child to the hospital each year, whether for stitches, outpatient surgery, or longer stays. Children who are reassured about what lies ahead have less anxiety and cope more easily with procedures and treatments. Well-prepared parents can be calm and effective advocates for their children, in a situation that can otherwise be traumatic.

Your Child in the Hospital: A Practical Guide for Parents is a practical book of tips and wisdom from veteran parents that will help make any hospital stay easier. It includes essential information on:

• Preparing your child
• Packing for the hospital
• Coping with common procedures
• Preparing for surgery
• Pain managment
• Feelings and behavior
• Keeping family life going
• Nuts and bolts of hospital records, billing, insurance, and financial assistance