Welcome back to the second part of my list of what to bring when spending the night at Le Bonheur Children's.  If you haven't read the first part, you can check it out here.  Below is the second half of my list, and it completes the basics.  Remember, you know the things that will make your child's experience easier, don't be afraid to bring those things.

Items to Bring from Home

6. Favorite pajamas and robe:  Let them pick them out in advance, and it's a great opportunity to give a choice in the process.  Also, hospitals can be cold (even in the summer), and the robe can help keep them warm.  That, and they'll just look awesome!
7. Change of clothes/toiletries:  Again, this seems crazy to say, but this if for both you and your child.  Some children want to wear street clothes, and if you and the treatment team agree it's alright, it gives the child a greater sense of security.  Also, you don't want to keep wearing the same clothes day after day or not brush your teeth, do you?
8. Games:  Do you have a regular family game night?  Bring along some of the games.  It could be board games, card games, or any other number of things.
9. School work:  Whenever we tell this to families we get two reactions:  parents nod and say definitely and children give us a look like even in the hospital, I can't get away.  This may take talking to your child's teacher in advance, but whether it's done in the hospital or not, it will still be there after your discharged.  Le Bonheur Children's is an accredited school program, and we have teachers on site that can help with direct instruction.
10. Humor:  Being admitted to the hospital is stressful, and it can take a lot of humor to get through parts of it.  A little light-hearted joking and laughter can go a long way.

Also, when all of these tricks wear out, we've got lots of other fun things to do like wagons, playrooms, elevators with a view, and lots of other neat things. Our want is for you and your child to have the least stressful experience possible.  Le Bonheur Children's has work hard to make you and your child's experience as great as possible, but we know that we can't make it just like home.  That's why we need your help, and knowing what to bring is the first step, for you, your child, and us.