Ways to Be A Good Friend To Parents with Kids in the Hospital

[SupportiveMom]

I saw this article by a mom who's child has cerbal palsy & felt a lot of things fit us parents of chronically ill children.

http://themighty.com/2015/06/9-ways-to-be-a-good-friend-to-moms-with-kids-in-the-hospital/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Mighty_Page&utm_campaign=Facebook_Page

#1 is big for me. Many people just assume my parents help because they live close.Most stays the don't even visit. It leaves me facing things on my own so the hubby can look after the other kid. I'm not big on asking for help but I do go help without asking. I certainly recall feeling alone. I never want someone else ever to feel that way.

If this was written about parents of kids with IBD what would you add?

 

[Mehita]

Got another link? I couldn't get this one to open...

 

[Lisa]

Got another link? I couldn't get this one to open...

Mehita - I just fixed the link..... :thumright:

 

[Pilgrim]

In general I'm good with answering questions, but presumptions tick me off. I think she covered that towards the end with medical advice.

I don't know what I'd add, but I want to tell YOU that I will be checking here frequently in July. And you could post a thousand threads, or vent, or cry and you will have a community here. We are NWO, so too far away from Toronto, so we can't show up. But I hope you will post when you are feeling alone.

 

[Farmwife]

Good article.

Things I would add is..........
Call, even if your worried about the timing.
Just a quick call to let the parent and or child know that your thinking about them will help mentally.

Please don't say, well you call me back when you have time.
We're never going to find the time in the hospital!!!!!

Send or give cards, flowers or balloons.
It's an old fashion idea now a days but still work to cheer the families up!!!!

 

[Mehita]

I often feel like I have to keep my "brave, mommy face" on, not just for my son, but for everyone.

When my son had his resection and we were on day two of a seven day stay, my friend came to visit us in the hospital. She arranged for Child Life to come in, took me out in the hall, hugged me, and let me cry. Best. Gift. Ever.

 

[SupportiveMom]

So sorry about the link! Glad you fixed it Lisa! Thank you.

Thank you so much Pilgrim! I am trying to prepare myself mentally but not think about it much either. I wish there was a handbook on this stuff. We all should feel supported. I am certainly grateful for this forum, my crohn's colitis canada support group, & hoping to find support in the new ostomy group we are joining in a few weeks. Many aren't as fortunate as me to live in a big metro area with these groups. Iam trying to not feel like a burden for support, but also looking after myself & reaching out. It has been hard to say when I need help.