Thinking like a kid: How child life specialists ease the way for families dealing with illnesses

A hospital can be overwhelming for anyone but imagine being a child who is unsure of what is going on around them.

Child life specialists are trained professionals with the knowledge to help children and their families positively handle medical experiences.

This includes support through long hospital stays, medical procedures and even help saying meaningful goodbyes to dying loved ones.

In addition to parent and guardian support, child life specialists can offer specific help with a goal of helping your child cope with their experience. They can also support the patient’s siblings.

Power of play

Child life specialists help pediatric patients (from birth to 18 years old) understand their treatment. They can help clarify any misconceptions to promote understanding.

Play is the universal language for children. It can help a child make sense of the hospital environment and promote positive coping skills.

The type of activity will vary based on what the child needs. The team strives to offer a variety of options such as art, medical play, pretend play and gaming.

How to access child life services?

At PeaceHealth, you can access child life services at Sacred Heart Medical Center-RiverBend in Springfield, Oregon. You can request the service by asking your healthcare team member.

It is important to note that these services are always free of charge.

Child life specialists work with departments such as inpatient pediatrics, imaging, surgical services, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and children of patients in the adult intensive care unit (ICU).

Support from child life staff can help you and your family have greater peace of mind when you’re at the hospital.