Helping Your Child Keep in Touch with Friends

While your child is hospitalized, it is vital to his or her well-being to stay connected with teachers and classmates. You can encourage classmates to keep in touch by sending notes, calling on the phone, emailing or sending class pictures.

You can call your child’s teacher periodically and provide notes from the child, or messages to the classroom. You can also ask a member of the medical team to visit your child’s school, and teach students about your child’s condition. Make sure you talk with your child ahead of time to find out what information he or she does not want other kids to know and share those wishes with the individual who will be visiting the school.

If a healthcare team member can’t visit the classroom, work with your child’s teachers to teach the class about your child, his or her illness and recovery.

Dealing with illness can be challenging for both children and parents; however, through careful planning and continued communication, you can make dealing with school issues easier. This can help you and your child through this difficult time.