The past two posts suggested ten ways people can help when your child is hospitalized. Today’s ideas are designed to bring some fun into the mix. The longer a hospital stay is, the more necessary fun and laughter become, at least if you plan to keep your sanity. So the next time people ask what they can do, let them play with these ideas. Food Cafeteria food gets old after awhile. Ask people...

The previous post suggested five ways parents of hospitalized kids can respond when people offer to help. The longer your child’s illness lasts, the more ways people can assist you. Here are five more ideas for the people who want to make your situation manageable. Pet Care Arrange for someone to care for your pets in your home or provide “foster care” in theirs. Laundry Have someone...

How should you respond to offers of help when your child is hospitalized? Should you decline because you don’t want to be an inconvenience? Should you brush them off so you don’t appear vulnerable and needy? Or should you hold people at arm’s length because it hurts to let anyone into your life right now? Whatever possible reasons you have for refusing assistance, now’s the...