How old is old enough??

[Deena]

Ok this is a totally off the wall question for most LOL...

So Tristan as most of you know spends ALOT of time in the hospital... In fact we were just there overnight again for his stupid shunt Monday night (came home today/Tuesday) He is under observation and could possibly need surgery again... But it's not urgent or anything..

Anyway with my DH leaving for a year... I am just trying to figure out what I am gonna do, it kind of dawned on me, that it would be extremely difficult to stay with Tristan the whole time and manage the family here at home. I always stay with Tristan, just because I feel like that is what I should do, otherwise he would be spending hours alone in a hospital room, and that makes me a bit uncomfortable at times, however I tend to be extremely overprotective..

So what I am wondering is, how old is a child old enough to be left alone when admitted in the hospital??

[JCSimon]

I'm not sure it's age that matters; more how he feels about it. Is he ok with you leaving him for the night? As long as he's not scared witless and is pretty comfortable (well, as comfortable as anyone can be in the hospital), it's up to you. Also, how do *you* feel? Are you going to keep yourself up all night worrying about how he's doing? Or are you comfortable enought to go home and actually get some sleep?

My dd had major health problems for many years and was in and out of the hospital a couple of times a month. Once I knew the staff well and was sure that she'd be taken care of whether I was there or not, I began going home for a couple of hours at a time, gradually extending the time until I actually slept at home at night.

:::hugs::: Deena -- it's so difficult having a sick child. Trust your instincts, dear.

[Charla]

:hug:
I have no idea what the answer is to that question. I think Jamie's idea is wise though...how does he feel about it? He might be fine with the idea of being by himself.

[suzyqscraps]

I also don't know how old is old enough, but I agree...see how he feels about it. Do you have family in the area that can help out? Sometimes kids want their moms with them, but maybe he might enjoy someone else being with him. Just a thought.

[Rynonut Mom]

I say the same thing - does he feel comfy about it?

And hugs to you, Deena!

[Deena]

I could ask him I suppose LOL... I just never thought about it.

We do have family in the area, but our families are pretty dysfunctional, so I prefer the kids not spending too much unsupervised time with them. We do have a wonderful church family though, who I know will be able to help out, but only parents and grandparents are allowed to stay with the child overnight. I wonder if the hospital would perhaps make an exception.

[putri]

My dd is only four and she's never been in a hospital except for an over night for her forehead stitches but I always ask her. If she has to stay in the hospital for a long time and I have to leave her, I'd ask her if she'd be ok. In your case, you kind of have to leave him and you really have little choice it seems. I mean your family needs you too so it's a bit tough if he said he wants you and you'd be torn.

Here we have a children's hospital and they're VERY good with the kids. A lot of kids are there alone for an extended amount of time since their parents have to work or get to the rest of the family. Really tough and I feel for them but the kids seem to be ok and they are so strong.

Trust your instincts. Personally I would leave my dd at the children's hospital but at the regular hospital, she'd be soooo lonely and I would have a very hard time doing it.

Hugs to you. Hope things work out!!

[Paula]

I would agree with the gals here. Ask Tristan about it. If he's comfortable with it, then give it a try.