5 Ways to Build Resilience in Hospitalized Children

Angela Earley
Jan 2
2 min read

Children with colorful backpacks walk towards Northwood Elementary entrance. Fall leaves scattered on the ground. Building says "Welcome." — A young child, recovering in a hospital bed, finds comfort in the presence of a parent and a beloved teddy bear. The room is bright with drawings, hinting at moments of creativity and hope.

5 Ways to Build Resilience in Hospitalized Children

A proactive framework for caregivers and medical teams to reduce trauma and promote healing during hospital stays.

Cultivate a Healing Environment: To support recovery, it is essential to manage sensory inputs like light and noise, ensuring a calm atmosphere that mimics natural day-night cycles. Providing developmentally appropriate toys and empowering families to personalize their child's space can significantly reduce the feeling of powerlessness that often accompanies medical admission.
Protect Restorative Sleep: Sleep is a cornerstone of physical and mental healing, yet it is often the first thing disrupted in a clinical setting. By grouping medical tasks to minimize nighttime interruptions and limiting electronic use before bed, caregivers can help children maintain a consistent sleep schedule that fosters resilience and better mood regulation.
Advocate for Pain and Stress Management: Moving beyond simple numerical pain scales, effective support involves a functional assessment and the use of non-pharmacological techniques like deep breathing and distraction. Empowering children with these tools gives them a sense of control over their bodies, making them more likely to engage fully in necessary therapies.
Re-engage in Daily Living Activities: Healing is accelerated when children are encouraged to meet small, familiar milestones like brushing their teeth or sitting up after surgery. Integrating these activities of daily living into the hospital routine—often through collaboration with physical and occupational therapists—helps normalize the environment and can lead to shorter stays.
Foster Family Collaborative Care: True support requires seeing the family as an integral part of the medical team, ensuring they are fully briefed on care plans and encouraged to practice self-care. When families feel heard and involved, they are better equipped to advocate for their child and maintain the necessary support systems long after discharge.