For Parents

One Step at a Time was written for parents. A child’s hospitalization is one of the toughest times a parent experiences. With natural feelings of anger, denial, fear, doubt and sorrow, how can you get through this and emerge feeling capable and in control? That’s what One Step at a Time helps you do.

One Step at a Time includes:

• Messages and helpful hints from parents who have been through similar experiences
• Tips from nurses and other health care professionals
• Inspirational poems, quotes and meditations
• Information on hospital terminology, chains of command and protocols
• Advice for parents on helping siblings cope
• Tips on how to help children take medicine
• Guidance on navigating the ups and downs of the hospital experience - from admission and handling visitors, to adjusting to a new environment and advocating for your child's needs
• Journal pages for parents to document day-to-day events during their child's hospitalization and to express their emotions
• Tips on leaving the hospital and going home

It’s not easy, but with some coaching on what to ask the doctors, how to approach the hospital staff and most importantly, a place to express your feelings, you’ll be on your way to helping yourself and your child.

“The healthiest way to care for another is to care for yourself. In order to give, you must have something within you to give. Acknowledge your needs and keep them replenished. Take time away from caregiving to be with those who support and uplift you.” Dr. James E. Miller, author of The Grit and Grace of Being a Caregiver: Maintaining Balance As You Care For Others.