The best ideas to brighten up the daily lives of hospitalized children

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Hospitalized children can often struggle to maintain high morale while in the hospital. Being away from home, friends and their usual routine can be difficult for them, which can make their time in the hospital even more challenging. However, there are many ideas to help brighten up their day and make their stay more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 ideas to help brighten up the day for hospitalized children.

Toys and board games: Board games are another great way to keep kids entertained. They can play with other children in the hospital or with staff members to help break up the daily hospital routine. Toys and games can help distract children and allow them to have fun while in the hospital. Hospitals often have playrooms where children can play with toys and games in groups or individually. Video games can be used to distract children from their pain and anxiety. Therapeutic video games can be specifically designed to help children manage stress and pain.
Reading: books can be an excellent escape for hospitalized children. Hospital libraries often have a large selection of books suitable for different ages and interests.Libraries can provide hospitalized children with access to books, magazines and newspapers. Books can help children to be entertained, learn and relax.

Art activities and art therapy programs: art is a great way to keep the mind busy and creative. Hospitalized children can benefit from artistic activities such as painting, drawing and sculpture to help them relax and express themselves. Art activities can help children express their emotions and focus on creative activities. Art therapy programs may include drawing, painting or sculpture workshops.
Clown therapy programs: Clowns can bring joy and laughter to hospitalized children. Clown therapy programs may include magic, juggling or dance performances.

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Movies and TV shows: Children can also benefit from watching movies and TV shows to help pass the time. Hospitals often have movie theaters or screens in patients’ rooms so they can watch their favorite shows.
Therapy pets: Therapy pets can help reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalized children. Hospitals may sometimes have pets, such as dogs or cats, visit patients to offer a dose of comfort.
Outdoor activities: weather permitting, outdoor activities can help children get out of their hospital room and enjoy the fresh air. Hospitals can arrange activities such as wheelchair rides, outdoor games and picnics.
Celebrity visits: Celebrity visits can be a source of inspiration for hospitalized children. Hospitals can arrange visits from local celebrities or well-known personalities to give children something to look forward to.
Birthday parties: Birthday parties are important moments for children because they allow them to celebrate their lives, to feel special and surrounded by family and friends. However, for hospitalized children, these moments can be difficult because they are far from home and cannot celebrate their birthdays as they would like. Birthday parties in hospitals are therefore essential to bring joy and hope to sick children. These celebrations allow children to feel supported and encouraged, and give them the opportunity to make new friends and share happy moments despite their illness.

Pet visits: Animals can be very comforting to children. Visits from pets such as dogs, cats or even rabbits can help hospitalized children feel calmer and less stressed.
Music therapy programs: Music can help reduce stress and anxiety in children. Music therapy programs may include singing, playing instruments or creating songs.

Cooking programs: Cooking can be a fun and creative activity for children. Cooking programs may include cooking workshops where children learn how to prepare healthy snacks or meals.
Yoga and meditation programs: Yoga and meditation can help children relax and focus on their breathing. Yoga and meditation programs may include group sessions or one-on-one sessions with a qualified instructor.

Hospital initiatives to bring smiles to hospitalized children

Yes, there are many examples of hospitals around the world that have implemented interesting initiatives to brighten up the daily lives of hospitalized children. Here are some examples:

St. Michael’s Children’s Hospital The St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, USA, hosts a Halloween party each year for hospitalized children. Children can dress up and participate in fun activities to celebrate the holiday.
In Australia, the Brisbane Children’s Hospital organizes therapy dog visits for hospitalized children. Dogs help reduce stress and anxiety and provide a source of comfort for children.
The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, has created an app called “SickKids VS” that allows hospitalized children to be entertained by playing video games designed specifically for their situation. The games help children understand their medical condition and manage their pain and anxiety.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the United States offers an “Escape Room” for hospitalized children. Children must solve puzzles to escape the room, which keeps them entertained and develops their cognitive skills.
Seattle Children’s Hospital, also in the United States, has a program called “Music Therapy” that allows hospitalized children to participate in group or individual music sessions. The sessions are led by a music therapist and help children reduce stress and anxiety.
The Montreal Children’s Hospital in Canada has created a series of yoga videos for hospitalized children. The videos are designed to help children relax, reduce anxiety and improve their mental health.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in the United States is offering a virtual reality experience for hospitalized children. Children can wear a virtual reality headset and transport themselves into a virtual environment.
In France, the Necker-Enfants malades Hospital in Paris has a video game program called “Gamers’ Studio” that allows hospitalized children to play video games with other children in the hospital or with volunteers.

These examples show that hospitals around the world are working hard to provide hospitalized children with fun activities and events that help them have a more enjoyable hospital stay.

Boston Children’s Hospital, also in the United States, has a program called “Child Life” which aims to provide recreational activities for hospitalized children. They organize activities such as concerts, puppet shows and art workshops.
The University Hospital in Geneva, Switzerland, has a program called “Méli-Mélo” that offers activities such as dance and music workshops, storytelling and magic shows for hospitalized children.

The importance of maintaining the link with the family for hospitalized children

When a child is hospitalized, he or she is often cut off from his or her family environment and loved ones. This can be very difficult for the child, as they may feel isolated and anxious about the situation. That’s why maintaining the connection with the family is crucial for hospitalized children.

Family is the primary source of emotional support for children. She is there to provide love, comfort and stability. When a child is hospitalized, it is important that family members can continue to provide this valuable support. This can be done in a variety of ways: by visiting the child in the hospital, by talking to the child on the phone, or by sending messages of encouragement and support.

Maintaining a connection with the family can also help reduce stress and anxiety for hospitalized children. By staying in touch with their loved ones, children feel safer and less alone in their fight against the disease. It can also help build resilience and improve overall health.

Today, there are many initiatives to maintain the link between hospitalized children and their families. For example, some organizations provide tablets and laptops to hospitalized children, allowing them to stay in touch with their loved ones via video calls or online messages. In addition, many associations organize events for families, offering them moments of respite and sharing with their sick child.

Give a tablet to your child in hospital

When a child is hospitalized, he or she may feel isolated and anxious. A tablet can be a great way to help her stay connected with her loved ones, entertain and educate herself. Kids can play games, watch movies, read e-books or even take online courses. In addition, the tablet can be a great tool to help children relax and focus, which can be beneficial to their recovery. Children who have access to technology such as tablets also have the opportunity to develop their digital skills, which are essential in our increasingly digital world. Giving a tablet to a hospitalized child can therefore help improve his or her well-being, foster education and prepare for the future.

Associations that bring smiles to hospitalized children

These associations provide valuable services to hospitalized children and their families, from recreational activities to psychological support programs to innovative research projects. The list is not exhaustive, do not hesitate to contact us to add more:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Website: https://www.starlight.org/
Children’s Hospital Association Website: https://www.childrenshospitals.org/

The importance of physical activity for hospitalized children

Motor exercises are extremely important for hospitalized children as they help maintain muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. Hospitalized children may be forced to stay in bed for long periods of time, which can lead to loss of muscle strength and decreased mobility. Motor exercises help prevent these problems and keep the body healthy. In addition, physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalized children, which can help improve their overall well-being. Motor exercises can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which can help relieve pain and promote a better mood. Hospitalized children often need support to stay active, and health care professionals can provide advice and recommendations on exercise appropriate to their medical situation. In sum, motor exercises are a crucial element in maintaining the health and well-being of hospitalized children.

The importance of cognitive stimulation for hospitalized children

When a child is hospitalized, he or she may experience stress and anxiety that can affect mental and emotional well-being. Cognitive stimulation, which involves engaging the mind in intellectual activities, can play an important role in reducing these negative feelings. Cognitive activities such as reading, board games and puzzles can help distract the child from the hospital environment and keep the mind active. In addition, cognitive stimulation can enhance a child’s cognitive development by strengthening learning, memory and concentration skills. Hospitals can help improve the well-being of hospitalized children by providing age- and developmentally appropriate cognitive stimulation activities.

Reading

Reading is a cognitive stimulation activity that can provide many benefits for hospitalized children. Not only can it distract the child from their medical environment and help them relax, but it can also help stimulate their mind and strengthen their language and cognitive skills. Children who read regularly often have a greater ability to pay attention and concentrate, which can help improve their quality of life while in the hospital. Books can also be used as a way to discuss some difficult topics and help explain medical procedures to children in a more understandable way. Hospitals can help encourage reading by providing children’s book libraries and interactive reading activities for hospitalized children. By providing opportunities for cognitive stimulation through reading, hospitals can help children feel more comfortable and cope better with their hospital stay.

Cognitive games on the tablet

Tablet games are another form of cognitive stimulation that can be beneficial for hospitalized children. These games can provide opportunities for learning, problem solving and fine motor development. Educational games can help children maintain their level of learning, even while in the hospital, and help them stay connected to their education. Games can also serve as a distraction for the child, helping him or her to focus on something other than the illness or treatment. Tablets can also provide a form of communication for children who cannot speak or write easily, allowing them to communicate with their family and medical team. However, it is important to note that excessive tablet use can also have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health, so it is essential that tablet use remains balanced and controlled. Hospitals can help provide age- and developmentally appropriate games for effective and healthy cognitive stimulation.

COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES

COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES is a digital educational and sports tool that accompanies children from 1st to 5th grade. Indeed, the application follows the learning of children and allows them to review French, math, English… All in good fun!

The activities are adapted to allow children tolearn at their own pace through fun games.

After 15 minutes of activity, COCO offers a sports break to allow children to air their brains, get away from the screen and move safely. This break helps combat overexposure to screens and teaches children to have a balanced screen time.

In Coco there is also the possibility to follow the evolution of the child. While playing, the child wins trophies, which motivates him/her in his/her learning. In addition you can see the time spent on the application, the games played and the success rate.

Seeing the progression over time is useful for parents or teachers to see the evolution of skills, but also for the child to improve.