Child Life Services

The Child Life Program at the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper is dedicated to supporting children and families during medical experiences. Our team of child life specialists understands that illness, hospitalization, and medical treatments can be stressful – especially for young patients. 

With a strong background in child development and family systems, our certified child life specialists use age-appropriate education, preparation, medical and therapeutic play, and supportive activities to help children better understand and cope with their health care experiences. Our goal is to make each child's experience as positive and comforting as possible. 

Child Life Services

Cooper’s child life specialists offer a wide range of services designed to reduce fear, build trust, and promote healthy coping, including:

• Age-appropriate explanations and preparation for medical tests, procedures, and surgery
• Support during procedures to help manage pain, anxiety, and emotional
• Therapeutic and medical play to help children become familiar and understand the hospital environment
• Behavioral assessments using developmental theory to understand each child’s needs
• Preparation for children visiting a critically ill family member

Additional Support Services 

Child life assistants also help enhance the hospital experience by providing access to the playroom/activity room and offering developmentally appropriate toys, games, and activities. The also coordinate additional therapeutic services such as animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, music therapy, and visits from Bumper T Caring Clowns.

Preparing for Your Child's Hospital Visit 

The hospital environment can be very stressful for children, but helping them prepare will reduce much of their anxiety and help them cope.

• Talk to children 5 years and older about their hospital stay a few days to a week in advance. For children under 5 years, talk to them a day or two before admission to the hospital.
• Be honest – if you are not sure of an answer to a question, it is OK to say, “I don’t know but I can try to find out.”
• Use child-friendly language that they can understand.
• Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and ask questions about the upcoming hospital experience but don’t force a conversation if your child isn’t ready.
• Have your child bring a couple items that will offer comfort such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or photos of family, friends and pets.
• Ask about any hospital tours or pre-surgery preparation programs that may help your child become more familiar with the hospital setting.

During Your Child's Hospital Stay 

How children respond to the healthcare environment may differ depending on age, the reason for hospitalization, tests or procedures needed, past healthcare experiences, and coping skills. You can help support your child by:

• Telling the medical staff what has helped your child cope in the past
• Being positive, relaxed, and encouraging to your child – children can sense when family members are anxious
• Praising your child for specific actions that are asked of him/her, such as holding still or taking deep breaths during a procedure
• Speaking in a calm and quiet tone
• Asking questions when you or your child need clarification