Oftentimes, parents of children with congenital heart defects spend a great deal of energy preparing for the big surgical event. We have carefully selected doctors, surgeons, and hospitals. We have dealt with (or fought with) insurance companies, and we have taken our children to numerous appointments for checkups and testing. These are all essential parts of the process to help our loved ones achieve the best possible health. It is also important to prepare children mentally for the hospital experience. One of my favorite books for this purpose is Franklin Goes to the Hospital.
When a soccer accident leaves Franklin with a cracked shell, he must go to the hospital for an operation to fix it. Through his experience, small children will become familiar with many of the procedures they, too, will face at the hospital. Nathan asked me to read this to him over and over. Most parents will want to point out to their children, however, that unlike Franklin’s parents, you will not be leaving your child overnight.
Tags: Congenital Heart Defects, Franklin Goes to the Hospital, Nathan
