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Taking the Fear out of Hospitals
The Role of the Child Life Specialist By Shel Franco
"Mommy, I'm scared."
Nothing affects a parent like those three little words. They send the most seasoned mom and dad into a tither, searching for ways to calm their child's fears. Often, a reassuring hug or a soft-spoken word will do the trick. But sometimes, a hug is not enough and the words aren't convincing, especially when Mom and Dad are scared, too.
Every day, children throughout the world are subjected to uncomfortable medical testing and painful procedures. Though these acts are mostly life-improving and often life-saving, it is hard to help children understand why they have to go through it. Fortunately, most support and education does not rest solely on the parents.
According to Sharon M. McLeod, director of child life and recreational therapy at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, "Child life specialists are health care professionals who use play and education interventions to reduce the stress of health care experiences and help children and families cope."
As a child life specialist, McLeod's day may consist of accompanying children to procedures, working as a liaison between the patients and their communities and schools and celebrating a child's birthday or observed holidays.
The activities vary according to patient age and medical condition. Turner's daughter learned about her procedures and eased her fears through many different activities, such as visiting the operating room, meeting other children with her disorder and playing with medically outfitted dolls.