Many children are faced with repeated hospitalizations due to the chronic nature of their illnesses. Special attention is given to help patients understand and cope with their medical experiences.

The Child Life program offers a non-threatening playroom experience that encourages children to express feelings concerning hospitalization. Child Life seeks to promote the continuation of normal childhood activity and development while children are in the hospital.

Child Life Specialists are there to support sick children during painful or scary treatment room procedures using play, relaxation, and distraction therapies as well as breathing techniques.

Medical play is another aspect of the Child Life program. Medical play lets children express their "hidden" misconceptions they may have of their medical experience, and provides medical staff with an idea of how the child is dealing with the illness. Medical play may focus on a specific issue or can be a spontaneous experience initiated by the child. Medical play incorporates the use of actual and replicas of medical equipment.

Child Life's focus on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers includes time spent:

• Nurturing
• Responding to physical needs
• Overcoming fear of separation
• Play to develop social skills

Toddlers and preschoolers who are not in isolation may participate in small group activities focused on all areas of development. Children are provided with opportunities for independence and decision-making.

School-age and adolescent patients are provided with a wide variety of activities to meet the needs of diverse ages and developmental abilities.

Child Life assistants are trained to provide developmentally appropriate activities in the activity room, as well as, at a patients' bedside.

The following are examples of some activities used in the various areas of the program:

• Procedural support
• Procedural preparation
• Medical play
• Group activities
• Arts and crafts
• Celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
• Cooking projects
• Entertainment from outside groups
• Gymnasium/game room activities
• Music groups