Hospitalization can be very stressful for school-age children.
However, the fear of separation and illness is still very much a part of the hospital experience. Children over 7 can begin preparation for the hospital one to two weeks prior to admission. The time needed for this preparation depends on each individual child, and parents can usually judge how much is required. Many children of this age fear that their body will be changed as a result of a test or surgery. School-age children may also fear mutilation of a body part.