One
thing I have realized was that many children are left alone all day for several
days of the week. Their parents either have to work, take care of their other
children at home, or they simply cannot find time. I have learned to really appreciate
the work that child life specialists and volunteers do for the children who are
alone in their rooms all day. We supply books, games, and toys for children,
and offer to be a "buddy" for a while. There's a playroom (activity
center) that we open a few times a day as well. This gives the kids a chance to
just be a kid and play around while they're in the hospital. There is one baby
I have visited all week and his parents do come to the hospital, but they never
spend time with him while they are there. He is unable to go the playroom
because he is too young (only 2 months old), and they go without him. I don't
quite understand that specific situation.
Other
parents do come, and stay every minute of the day with their child. I have so
much respect for these parents who take off work. However, I totally understand
that it is very exhausting to wait in the room and try to entertain their
child, especially if their child is older. There was this one mother today and
she was in the room the entire time I was with her daughter. She really
appreciated me playing with her daughter for 3 hours because she was able to
take a break downstairs in the atrium (cafeteria) and even take a nap. I could
tell she was exhausted too.
~Clare
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