• Ways to Give
• Health Library
• Our Services
• About Us

Questions your child may ask before coming to CHKD

1. How will I feel?
   Answer:

   Every patient feels differently. Some feel like playing, While others might feel like resting. Some might feel like eating and others don’t. Children’s Hospital will make every effort to ensure that your child is as comfortable as possible.
2. Are there toys to play with, and where will I play?
   Answer:

   Children’s Hospital’s child life department, which is located on the same floor as the child’s room, maintains very popular activity rooms for our patients. The activity room has everything from video games and puzzles to books and painting activities. If your child is unable to go to the activity room, toys and activities can be brought to them in their rooms by the child life staff.
3. What will my room look like?
   Answer:

   Televisions are located in each patient room and special programming for children is available, including the Disney Channel and the Cartoon Network. VCRs can be brought to your child’s room, so feel free to bring your child’s favorite movie. Whether your child is sharing a room or is in a single room, all patient rooms have a phone, bathroom, chair bed for a guest and a window with a view.
4. What will I eat?
   Answer:

   Your child’s doctor might prescribe a special diet. If not, you will be able to choose items from the daily menu, even favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken strips, pizza and hamburgers. Someone will bring the meals in on a tray into your child’s room.
5. What will I wear?
   Answer:

   Most of the time our patients can wear their own clothes from home. You may want to bring your child’s most comfortable clothes, such as sweatshirts and sweatpants, or their favorite pajamas and robe. They can always wear their own slippers or shoes. We do have hospital gowns (they look like big long t-shirts) and a pair of non-slip hospital slippers that your child can wear too!
6. Can I bring my favorite toy?
   Answer:

   We are committed to providing safe conditions for your child. One of our most important goals is to minimize infections. Normally, your child will be able to bring a favorite stuffed toy or doll, but just in case your child requires special precautions because of an infection, you should ask the nurse first.
7. What about my school work?
   Answer:

   We have a hospital school program right here at CHKD! We can teach children at the bedside or in our three classrooms. We can contact your child's school and discuss lesson plans to keep your child on track while they are at CHKD.
8. Can I receive cards and letters while I’m in the hospital?
   Answer:

   Absolutely!
   Letters or other postal mail should be addressed to your child and mailed to:
   Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
   Attn: Your child's name – Patient
   601 Children’s Lane
   Norfolk, VA 23507
9. Can my brother or sister come see me?
   Answer:

   Siblings older than 12 are welcome to visit during regular visiting hours, but must be over 18 to stay overnight. Brothers and sisters younger than 12 may be allowed for brief visits if special arrangements are made with your nurse. For more information on visitor guidelines, click here.
10. Will my parents be able to stay with me?
    Answer:

    Parents or legal guardians are welcome to visit anytime. We encourage one parent to spend the night. For more information on visitor guidelines, click here.