What does a Child Life Specialist do?

Sometimes stepping into a health care setting is really scary for children. Even when it's not the hospital. Even when there's not anything scary coming. They don't know that, and their automatic response is fear.

Child Life Specialists help kids recognize their strengths, help them cope with stress and anxiety, and help them feel empowered during their stay.

Whether during a child’s outpatient visit or a hospital stay, Carilion Children’s Certified Child Life Specialists help patients and families promote the necessary strategies of coping through play, selfexpressive activities, ageappropriate medical preparation and education.

Each of these processes are intentionally designed to help both the child and family gain a better understanding of the medical procedure, which will help reduce stress and fear of the unknown during a difficult time.

https://www.carilionchildrens.org

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