Ways hospitals can promote the psychological and social well being of young patients are explored in this paper. First, the importance of familiarizing the child with the hospital is emphasized. Second, emotions hospitalized children may feel and the possible causes of those emotions are listed. Third, methods hospital personnel can use to help children cope are pointed out. These methods include (1) allowing parents to be near their children throughout the course of treatment; (2) providing a safe, cheerful, and helpful environment; and (3) giving children opportunities to play. The parent program at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital is described, and guidelines for providing play activities are offered. In conclusion, uses of hospitalized children's creative writing, paintings, and drawings are discussed. It is pointed out that children's graphic and literary products can reveal children's interpretations of their illness and provide insight into children's self-concept, as well as other thoughts and feelings. Examples of hospitalized children's drawings are included and interpreted. (RH)