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Our programs can help children before, during, and after
medical procedures
 Child life services are available for all The Children's Hospital
patients between birth and age 17, and their families.
The importance of play
All children play -- that's how they spend much of their day. It
is the way they learn, socialize, and test their growing bodies.
For children in the hospital, play is a way to cope with the unfamiliar
and share their feelings and concerns. Our child life specialists
provide many opportunities for children to play. Play encourages
children to express themselves freely in an open, comfortable atmosphere.
Preparing for a hospital stay or procedure
Children who are prepared for hospital experiences cope better and
recover faster. The child life team provides preparation for medical
procedures and treatments that children may encounter at the hospital.
Preparation increases a child's confidence and ability to master
the hospital experience.
Exploring medical equipment
 Through medical play, the child life specialist allows a child to
explore the medical equipment used for a procedure or surgery. Using
dolls and actual medical equipment, the child life specialist explains
what will happen in simple, age-appropriate terms. The child can
touch the equipment, ask questions, and express concerns. Medical
play helps remove the fear of the unknown and gives the child a
sense of control.
During a medical procedure
Child life specialists use various distraction techniques to help
children during invasive medical procedures. This helps the child
focus on something other than his or her fears or discomfort. Distraction
techniques may be helpful during blood draws, injections, temperature
and blood-pressure tests, and other invasive procedures.
Celebrating in the hospital
Sometimes special events such as holidays or birthdays occur when
a child is in the hospital. Our child life team helps children and
families celebrate these special days during their hospitalization.
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