Imagine this scenario: your child has taken a tumble off their bike and now requires stitches at the emergency room. They’re frightened and in pain. The room they’re led into by a staff member is filled with intimidating machines that look more like props from a sci-fi movie than a place for a young child. Refusing to enter, your child is at a standstill. Suddenly, a compassionate figure appears, clears away the intimidating equipment, and takes the time to explain what’s going on. With their help, your child feels reassured and steps inside.
Now consider another situation: a parent has just received heart-wrenching news—a diagnosis for their child that signals long hours in the hospital and numerous treatments. The family, with the patient and their sibling, is grappling with this anxiety. The sibling, unsure of how to process the gravity of the situation, starts to act out. In this moment, a child life specialist steps in, offering the necessary support to help the sibling understand the news and manage their emotions. Soon, the sibling calms down.
In both scenarios, that vital support comes from a child life specialist—a crucial yet frequently unrecognized component of pediatric medical care.
We spoke with Jordan Lee, COO and Interim CEO of the Association of Child Life Professionals, to delve into the role of child life specialists and the recent guidance from The Academy of American Pediatrics regarding their impact in medical settings.
Child Life Specialists Harness Children’s Resilience
“Child life specialists are trained professionals who specialize in assisting children and their families during challenging life events.” These specialists possess a deep understanding of child development and the medical procedures that children often face, equipping them to help families navigate stressful situations. They explain diagnoses, provide bereavement support, and draw upon the innate resilience of children to foster better coping mechanisms for the entire family, says Lee.
Utilizing medical play, distractions, and age-appropriate language, child life specialists ensure that young patients, their parents, and siblings grasp what’s happening. Their presence is felt across various settings, including emergency rooms, inpatient transitions, and even during painful procedures like MRIs or needle pokes. Depending on the family’s needs and how well they are coping, child life specialists may work with them for just an hour or extend their support over months or even years in cases of chronic illness.
Child Life Specialists: Emotional First Responders
Lee emphasizes that child life specialists serve as “emotional first responders.” They assess the dynamics in hospital rooms and offer emotional support to pediatric patients and their families, including the children of adult patients.
Medical settings can often be traumatic, and child life specialists are trained to alleviate that trauma by making experiences less daunting or, at the very least, more relatable. “They are there in the moment, working to prevent and reduce additional trauma linked to medical environments,” says Lee.
Supporting the Entire Family, Including Siblings
What sets child life specialists apart is their ability to support the whole family, including siblings. In situations involving severe injuries or long-term care, siblings may also struggle and require assistance. This support can involve explaining the diagnosis, helping them process their emotions, and ensuring they feel valued and included.
For parents, child life specialists provide techniques for comforting their children and empower them to advocate for their child’s needs. This guidance gives parents a sense of control amid overwhelming circumstances, notes Lee.
Beyond Hospital Walls: Where to Find Child Life Specialists
Child life specialists are not limited to pediatric hospitals; they can also be found in hospices, child advocacy centers, and private practice settings. Lee expresses a desire to see child life specialists in every medical environment, including pediatrician’s offices and clinics. Their presence can significantly benefit children prior to even minor procedures.
New AAP Guidance Highlights the Importance of Child Life Specialists
The latest guidance states that “collaboration with child life specialists is essential for addressing the overall health care needs of children and families.” This has been especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where child life specialists transformed testing sites into engaging environments for young patients, offered in-person support to isolated parents, and helped bridge the gap created by healthcare workers’ protective gear.
Child life specialists understand how to navigate safety protocols while still ensuring a child-friendly experience, says Lee. They work with pediatric patients up to age 21, which is particularly crucial when addressing the needs of teenagers who may be harder to engage.
The AAP report suggests that hospital administrators should consider having a full staff of child life specialists available seven days a week, according to Lee.
Raising Awareness: A Free Resource for Families
Child life services are free and accessible to all families. Although many healthcare facilities offer these services, numerous families remain unaware of their existence. Increasing awareness is critical; knowing that child life specialists are available is the first step toward receiving their invaluable support.
“We hope to see more parents aware of these services so they can ensure their children receive the best possible experiences,” says Lee.
Ultimately, children are resilient, and child life specialists are here to help them tap into that resilience in any situation they encounter.
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In summary, child life specialists play a vital role in pediatric healthcare, providing emotional support to children and their families during challenging times. Their expertise is essential in alleviating fear and ensuring that children can navigate medical experiences with resilience. Increasing awareness of their services is crucial for families seeking the best care for their children.
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