Being in the hospital can be scary and stressful for anyone, especially a child. That’s where Child Life comes in. This team is dedicated to ensuring TMC for Children’s young patients are comfortable, relaxed and that they and their families understand what is happening to them during their hospital stay. They do this by teaching children how to cope through play, preparation, education and expression.  

Here are five things you might not know about the Child Life department at TMC for Children.

Play is our superpower. Child life specialists use play not just for fun, but as a clinical tool to help children cope with stress, pain, fear and major life changes. What looks like “just playing” is actually intentional support.

We help explain things adults struggle to put into words. From surgeries and scans to shots and hospital stays, child life specialists help children understand what is happening in ways that are honest, developmentally appropriate and less scary.

Medical play helps kids feel more in control. Letting a child give their teddy bear an IV or place an anesthesia mask on their doll's face can reduce anxiety, build confidence and prepare them for real procedures.

Bubbles are serious business. Blowing bubbles supports deep breathing, distraction and relaxation during procedures. It is a simple tool backed by science that is also lots of fun.

We show up during some of life’s hardest moments. Child life specialists support children and families through serious illnesses, trauma, grief and loss and are always working to create comfort, understanding and a sense of safety.