Present for a hospitalised, anorexic and severely depressed 12 year old girl?

[Anna8888]

I had lunch with one of my very best friends, whose daughter was hospitalised two weeks ago with anorexia. She had been ill for about a year, but at home and seeing psychiatrists as an outpatient.

Anyway, this girl, who I have known since she was three, whose whole family I know and who I have been on holiday with many times, is probably going to be in hospital until at least Christmas. What can I take her to distract her? She is rather bored - stimulation would be a good thing.

[BabiesEverywhere]

I have been told that if you buy this card for your DS, you can downloads loads of games (search for .NDS on the internet) onto the card from places like here for free.

Worth a try.

Sorry to hear about your friend's daughter, I hope she gets better very soon.

[Anna8888]

VintageGardenia - yes, you are onto something - I will chat with my DP about it. He often brings products home for me to test (his marketing director is genuinely interested in my opinions because I have a very sensitive skin) - maybe we could find a little testing job for my friend's daughter.

[Flier]

thinking about christmas and such, depends whether she is at all crafty, but what about a card making kit? she could be making all the families christmas cards (or making them to sell??)

[Lauriefairycake]

how about a beautiful leather-bound journal - they will be encouraging her in hospital to record/share her feelings and thoughts so somewhere beautiful to put them privately would be nice.

[surreylady]

I am not familar with the age group (as may become obvious) but how about a large cuddly toy type thing - something loveable

[Anna8888]

Yes, making greetings cards is a very good idea - there are great kits in the UK, not so much stuff here in France. Thanks

[Anna8888]

surreylady - yes. I'm sure this little girl needs lots of cuddles . I just want to take her on my knee and hug her...

[Reallytired]

Poor kid.

I would avoid craft kits or anything with a sharp point or sissors. She would not be allowed it in a pychiartic unit because of risks of self harm. Even if she is not likely to self harm, other children in the pychiatric unit might use a needle or sissors to injure themselves.

The special school I work for has close links with another special school that educates children who have had to be hospitalised due to mental health problems. They are very strict and the children aren't even allowed to use a pencil sharper or the fear of self harm.

Just thinking, what I would get her. I think books would be good, or maybe some nice shower gel, make up or clothes.

[Cies]

Just thinking about when my brother was in hospital, he had all the usual things - books, puzzles, ipod etc.

What he liked was when people found articles, jokes, songs or podcasts they thought he would like and sent them to him. That way he had an ever eclectic flow of distractions.

[Flier]

I'd be happy to order some things online for you if you wanted me to post some stuff?

[Anna8888]

That's very kind Flier - in fact, my mother is very good at sending me my UK shopping - and would undoubtedly want to, as she is very fond of this little girl (who has stayed at my parents' house in England several times).

[Flier]

don't know if this site is of any use for crafty bits, you can often buy things that you just stick on, so there would be no need for scissors or anything sharp

yellow moon

I'm sure there are loads more, probably better, will keep thinking.

[[http://www.bakerross.co.uk/?src=bcom&utm_source=bcom baker ross]

[Flier]

bakerross

[mynameisluka]

These are great (Turn sound on)The Believe and Achieve one may be particularly nice for her. They're great for boosting self esteem and building respect for yourself. How Do I Feel today may also be perfect. It talks about different emotions and encourages the listener to allow themselves to accept and feel the negative emotions such as anger and sadness, but then to relax and overcome them. Highly recommended!

[FluffyMummy123]

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[FluffyMummy123]

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[FluffyMummy123]

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[NorbertDentressangle]

I would buy a beautiful notebook (one of those fabric covered, sparkly, sequinned ones), a sketch book, notelets/writing paper, some special pens for writing and gel pens etc.

She can then keep in contact with friends and family, keep a diary and sketch or jot down ideas and thoughts.

[Anna8888]

But Cod - they are not self-obsessed - that is quite the reverse of the diagnosis.

[Anna8888]

Her father lives in Denmark.