A hospital can be a frightening place for children. That's why the Children's Hospital at Bronson has Child Life Specialists to help children cope when they are in the hospital.
Child Life Specialists understand children's fears and strive to make their health care experiences as worry-free as possible. Child Life supports children's emotional, social, and developmental needs by creating a comfortable, child-friendly environment. They help restore a sense of normalcy to patient's lives through play, self-expression, peer interaction, and family involvement.
Services
Child Life Specialists help hospitalized children by:
- Providing opportunities for play, crafts, and normal activities.
- Interpreting the hospital experience in an age-appropriate way.
- Educating patients and their families about procedures, surgeries, and hospital routines in an honest and non-threatening manner.
- Using medical play, teaching dolls and pictures to help children understand what is happening to them.
- Providing children and their families with coping strategies to give children more control during scary and painful procedures.
- Easing the transition from the hospital to home or school.
Our Team
Child Life Specialists, Music Therapist, Activity Assistant and volunteers are available in several areas of the hospital, including the pediatric unit, the Trauma & Emergency Center, and outpatient services upon referral.
If you are interested in a Child Life internship, call (269) 341-7608.
