(HealthDay) -- Sometimes children have to spend time in a hospital, and that can be rough on parents as well as the kids. But you can take steps to make the stay less stressful.
The University of California at Davis says it's important to give kids accurate information about what will happen. Giving them false information will only lead to mistrust. For instance, if your son or daughter needs to take a dose of a distasteful medicine, let them decide whether to take it right away or wait a minute or two.
When it's time to head for the hospital, be sure to bring a few things to remind your child of home. A favorite toy or a stuffed animal often will make a hospital stay easier.
