Sick child and parental care

Introduction. Most often mothers are in hospitals with their children. Their presence with a hospitalised child is the most effective way to prevent the negative effects of the child's stay in hospital. The mother is a valuable source of knowledge about the young patient and his habits. The role of the mother in hospital is not only to stay with the child, but above all to participate in hygienic procedures, feeding and organising the child's free time. She is also very often involved in certain therapeutic procedures, such as physical therapy. Her constant presence with the child satisfies one of its most important needs, namely the need to feel safe and has a positive impact on the emotional state of the young patient.The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to discuss selected issues concerning the sick child and parents' attitudes towards the sick child.Selection of material. The search was carried out in the Scopus database for the period 2008-2020, using the terms sick child, parents' attitudes. From the literature found in the Google Scholar database, studies were selected which, in the opinion of the authors, would be most useful in the preparation of this study.Conclusions. A mother supporting medical staff should always show care and understanding of her concerns, provide the necessary support and involve her in the care of her child. The mother's constant presence with her child (rocking, hugging) greatly minimises the effects of hospitalisation and supports its proper development.