A number of things frighten children who are either ill or injured. Included are the following:

a. Disability or discomfort. The child cannot always describe the pain.

b. Presence of strangers and hospital personnel dressed in white.

c. Separation from parents. His parents, his main support system, have taken care of his hurts before. He will be more frightened if they are not with him.

d. Atmosphere of panic, confusion, or distress. A child often senses a stressful atmosphere from stories viewed on television programs or from the parent’s comments. For example, the words “The nurse will give you a shot.” are very frightening to ill or injured children.