Child Life

Child life specialists offer developmental groups for infant/toddler, preschool, school age and preteen, teen, and emerging adult patients and siblings. Socialization and play have many benefits. Our groups are a safe place for peer interaction, fun, creativity, healing, coping, mastery, self-expression, achievement, and learning. 

Play is vital to a child’s growth and development. In group play, child life specialists lead fun activities where patients and siblings can socialize and express themselves. We guide children through the play areas and teen rooms at St. Jude. Our activities can help patients adjust to the hospital. 

Child life specialists can provide comfort and support to patients and siblings who are going through a big change. Child life specialists can work with them to develop positive coping skills and regain a feeling of control.

Child life specialists can explain illnesses, treatments, and the body. We use words and activities that fit the age of the patient or sibling. Learn more about talking to your child about their diagnosis. 

Child life specialists can help patients and siblings get ready for new or scary things like tests, procedures, or surgeries. We explain what they will feel, see, hear, taste, and smell during these events. We also teach them ways to handle and cope with what will happen. 

Child life specialists can provide support at the bedside during procedures. We can distract patients or engage with them to help them cope with what is happening.

Child life specialists can offer preparation before surgery. The surgical area is full of unfamiliar noises, people, and equipment. We use images and tours of the surgical area to help patients prepare for surgery. This helps them know what to expect and gives them a chance to talk about any fears or concerns.  

Child life specialists can help patients prepare for imaging and treatment. We can give them a chance to practice lying still for scans and for radiation. They can listen to the noises and see the machines that will be used. We can support them to go through these procedures while awake. Learn more about going through imaging scans without anesthesia. 

Expressive play uses toys, art, and role playing to work through children’s feelings and fears. Medical play uses dolls and medical equipment to help patients understand the procedures they may go through at the hospital. Child life specialists can offer chances for both types of play. Learn more about expressive and medical play.

Child life specialists can teach patients how to swallow pills and take medicine. We share ways to cope with taking medicines and tips to remember to take them on time. Learn more about helping your child take medicine.  

Child life specialists can serve as a resource for caregivers on:

• How children, teens, and emerging adults grow and develop
• The special needs of children, teens, and emerging adults who are in the hospital
• Play, self-expression, activities, and toys that fit a child’s age

Child life specialists can support caregivers with siblings’ responses to their brother or sister being ill and in the hospital. We help siblings cope with their feelings about these changes. Learn more about support for siblings.

Child life specialists work alongside other staff to help plan celebrations for holidays, special events, birthdays, and end of treatment. We give patients a chance to make memories and keep track of their time at the hospital.

Child life specialists can offer support to patients and siblings who are grieving a loss. We teach them ways to express their feelings and make memories. Learn more about handling grief.  

Child life specialists can help with a patient’s transition back to school. We work with their school and teach their classmates and teachers about diagnosis and treatment. For emerging adults, we can also provide support as they navigate higher education and vocational planning. Learn more about school and peer support services.