Collection: CHKD Cancer and Blood Disorders Child Life Program

Being sick or hospitalized is difficult for children. In addition to the physical discomfort of illness, they may feel frightened, confused, and overwhelmed. In essence, kids need more than medicine to get well. At CHKD, the Child Life Program understand that.  Services that are provided:

• Family support to help adjust to the hospital.
• Creative expression through art, music, and recreational activities.
• Medical play to become more familiar with the medical equipment and procedures, and encourage expression of feelings.
• Sibling visits to help brothers and sisters understand why their sibling is in the hospital.
• Coordination of special celebrations such as birthdays and holidays.
• Activities to help bridge the gap between home and the hospital.
• Psychological preparation and tours to help patients and siblings understand and cope with healthcare experiences.
• Emotional support and coping techniques, such as guided imagery, deep breathing and diversion.
• Activity room and bedside programming to promote normalization to the hospital experience, peer interaction, and independence.