Child Life Specialists

Child life specialists help children and their families understand and explore what they will see, feel, hear, smell, and taste during a procedure. When children and their families learn about what is going to happen, they are more likely to cope with stressors associated with procedures.

We help patients develop a coping plan to increase a sense of control and predictability. Children can choose activities such as blowing bubbles, taking deep breaths, thinking about their favorite place, playing a game on a tablet, and other activities that will help them cope during a procedure. Child life specialists can coach parents on how to support their child through procedures.

Child life specialists provide therapeutic play activities with toys, games, and arts and crafts for patients and siblings. Play opportunities help children continue normal growth and development. Plus, it is fun! 
Play opportunities are available in a hospital's playroom or teen room. Activities are coordinated by a child life specialist or child life assistant, and implemented with the help of volunteers, to create a fun play space where children and families can spend time while at the hospital. The playroom welcomes patients and siblings with their nurses’ permission.

Child life specialists can help families create keepsakes or plan to support special activities or significant events. This can be done for a birthday, holiday, the end of treatment, or end of life.

Child life specialists teach siblings about the healthcare needs of their brother or sister to decrease stress related to having a sibling in the hospital. Child life specialists play with siblings to address their social and emotional needs. Child life specialists can help siblings connect with their hospitalized brother or sister by providing activities for parents to take home.

Child life specialists help patients and their families navigate difficult conversations that occur as a result of accident, illness, and death. Child life specialists also provide support to patients, siblings, and parents through times of grief and loss.

Child life specialists help children find ways to express fears, concerns, and frustrations that arise as a result of hospitalization. Child life specialists validate feelings, address misconceptions, and advocate for the needs and wants of each child.

Child life specialists host a pre-surgery class. The class is intended for children ages two and older. This class helps children and adolescents know what they can expect on the day of their surgery.