Teens are mainly concerned with friends and body image. Changes in their body and sexuality are issues of great importance. Teens are self-centered and believe "it can't happen to me." Rebellion against authority is another marker of being a teenager.

Common hospital concerns of teens include dependence on adults; separation from family and friends; bodily injury and pain; body image and sexuality; invasion of privacy; and status with friends after hospitalization. The following ideas can help parents and caregivers during their teen's hospital stay.

Play:

• Bring familiar objects such as a blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, music, movies and clothing.
• Listen to favorite music.
• Watch favorite movies.
• Play board games.
• Play card games.
• Play video games.
• Participate in group activities such as art, cooking and games with other patients.
• Write in a journal.
• Create a scrapbook.
• Write poems and stories.
• Use a computer.

Medical play:

• Write stories and poems about the hospital.
• Make sculptures with casting material.
• Create artwork and music with medical themes.
• Explore real medical equipment.

Preparation:

• Include your teen in discussions and decisions about his or her health when possible.
• Encourage your teen to ask questions about the hospital, procedures and treatment.
• Allow and support your teen's privacy.

Coping ideas:

• Provide privacy.
• Respect independence.
• Provide choices when possible.
• Encourage friends to visit.
• Pick a favorite place or thing to talk about or imagine.
• Play music on a portable CD or tape player.
• Play a hand-held game.
• Breathe with slow deep breaths.
• Relax muscles.
• Squeeze a ball.
• Talk on the phone with family and friends.